Alaska Air partners with Philippines Air, adds flights to mystery European city

Alaska Airlines is accelerating its global plans with a newly announced partnership with Philippine Airlines, and a soon-to-be-revealed nonstop route to Europe out of Seattle.

The new alliance adds the flag carrier of the Philippines as Alaska’s 32nd global partner. Under the agreement, loyalty members from both airlines will soon be able to earn and redeem miles across each other’s networks.

“Philippine Airlines is a terrific addition to our roster of global airlines offering world-class service and amenities,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales at Alaska Airlines. “This is especially great news for the large Filipino communities in Hawaii, California and Washington who will gain easier access to the Philippines—and get rewarded for the trip.”

But that’s not the only transoceanic move in the works.

Alaska Air heads to Europe

Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci confirmed this week that the airline will launch a new nonstop route from Seattle to Europe in 2026. It’s Alaska Air’s first transatlantic flight. The specific city hasn’t been disclosed yet, but the announcement is a clear signal that the SeaTac-based airline is serious about long-haul international growth.

Powered by its recent merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska now has access to a fleet of Airbus A330 widebody aircraft capable of reaching international destinations, and it expects to add Boeing 787 Dreamliners by 2028.

“We have all the arrows in our quiver,” Minicucci said. “That gives us the possibility of reaching pretty much wherever we want to go out of Seattle.”

Alaska Air has not yet revealed where in Europe they will head.

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