Ciao, Roma!

Alaska Airlines launches a pioneering route to the Italian capital

- GEORGE GOMEZ

ALASKA AIRLINES IS heading to Europe-finally. The Seattle-based carrier announced it will launch its first-ever transatlantic service in May with nonstop flights from Seattle to Rome.

Operated by a Boeing 787-9 inherited through its merger with Hawaiian Airlines, the new route will become the longest in Alaska's network and the first nonstop service from Seattle to Italy.

“Serving Rome nonstop from Seattle is a dream come true,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “Our guests have been asking for an easy way to get to Italy for years, and we're thrilled to provide it.”

According to Minicucci, Rome has long been one of the most requested European destinations by Alaska's Mileage Plan members. Despite high demand, no airline currently offers nonstop service between Seattle and the Italian capital.