Alaska Airlines launches daily UK cargo flights to Seattle in 2026
Alaska Airlines is expanding its cargo operations with new long-haul routes from the UK. Starting in late May 2026, the airline will launch daily widebody services from London Heathrow to Seattle, opening up connections to over 100 destinations across North America, Hawaii, Central America, and the Asia-Pacific region. The move marks a significant step in the company's push into European cargo markets.
The new Heathrow-Seattle route will serve as a key hub for Alaska Airlines' growing cargo network. From there, goods will be transported to more than 100 existing destinations, both directly and through the airline's well-established connections. This expansion follows plans to introduce additional European routes from Rome and Keflavik by mid-2026.
Wexco Cargo GSSA has been named as the UK General Sales Agent (GSA) for Alaska Airlines. From May 2026, the company will handle cargo sales, marketing, and customer engagement in the region. Des Vertannes, Wexco's managing director, has expressed pride in representing the airline, highlighting the partnership's focus on targeted sales, capacity visibility, and real-time reporting.
Ian Morgan, vice president of cargo at Alaska Airlines, sees the UK as a vital market for the business. The airline's parent company, Alaska Air Group—which includes both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines—brings over nine decades of combined aviation experience to this expansion. The new service aims to create substantial long-haul cargo capacity while improving connectivity for UK-based shippers.
The launch of daily flights from Heathrow will strengthen Alaska Airlines' presence in the European cargo market. With Wexco leading local operations, the airline expects to enhance its reach and efficiency. The expansion will provide UK businesses with broader access to global trade routes from late May 2026.
