Alaska Airlines Found the Only 737 Able to Reach Tokyo

Alaska Airlines announced four new routes from Anchorage on October 27, led by a daily summer service to Tokyo Narita starting May 13, 2027. Winter flights at three per week begin in January 2028.

The Tokyo route will use the Boeing 737 MAX 8, which Alaska says is the only 737 variant in its fleet with enough range for the 3,433-mile trip. The flight leaves Anchorage at 2:10 p.m. and arrives in Tokyo at 3:25 p.m. the next day.

Three seasonal domestic routes round out the announcement. Anchorage–Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth and Nashville will each operate once weekly on Saturdays from June 12 through August 7, 2027.

Marilyn Romano, Alaska’s regional vice president, called the Tokyo flight long requested and said it will open opportunities for tourism and commerce. Tickets are on sale, though the routes remain subject to government approval.

Sources: Airline Geeks, Aviation Week