Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Unveil Aurora, Leihōkū, and New Premium Reserve Cabin
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Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have unveiled new premium products across their fleets during Alaska Air Group’s 2026 Investor Day in Seattle, including Aurora and Leihōkū Suites and a new Premium Reserve cabin. Beginning in 2028, Alaska will bring lie-flat Aurora Suites to at least 25 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft and its Boeing 787 fleet, where premium seating will increase to about 46 percent on the updated 787-9. Hawaiian will redesign all 24 of its Airbus A330s, increasing premium seating from 30 percent to about 40 percent while adding updated Leihōkū Suites and new interiors throughout the cabin.
Alaska and Hawaiian Expand Premium Cabins Across Their Fleets
Aurora and Leihōkū will give Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines two different flagship products. Aurora will reflect Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, while Leihōkū will build on Hawaiian’s connection to Hawaii.
Alaska plans to install 34 lie-flat Aurora Suites on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners and, for the first time, bring lie-flat seats to select transcontinental flights on the 737 beginning in 2028. At least 25 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft will feature 12 Aurora Suites. Bringing lie-flat seats to the 737 gives Alaska a new option for longer domestic flights without limiting the product to its widebody fleet.
Alaska will add more premium seating to its 787-9. About 46 percent of the updated aircraft will feature premium seats, up from 38 percent today, as Alaska grows its long-haul network from Seattle.
Aurora Suites will feature fully lie-flat beds, direct aisle access, storage, and privacy doors on the 787. Each suite will include a 19-inch 4K entertainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless and USB-C charging, and AC power. Alaska will pair the new seats with upgraded materials, chef-led dining, on-demand meals, and Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos Rewards members.
Hawaiian will upgrade its A330s with new Leihōkū Suites. Beginning in 2028, all 24 aircraft will receive new interiors throughout the cabin, including 22 redesigned suites for international Business Class and domestic First Class passengers.
The suites will feature direct aisle access, lie-flat seating, privacy doors, a 19-inch 4K entertainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless and USB-C charging, and AC power. Hawaiian will pair the new suites with hotel-quality bedding, upgraded amenities, local dining, and Starlink Wi-Fi.
The changes will increase premium seating on the A330 from 30 percent to about 40 percent. Hawaiian will upgrade the rest of the aircraft with new interiors and an updated in-flight entertainment (IFE) system featuring 4K screens and Bluetooth connectivity.
Alaska Air Group will add another option with Premium Reserve. The new premium economy cabin will begin rolling out in 2028 across Alaska’s 787-9, 787-10 and select 737-10 MAX aircraft, along with Hawaiian’s A330 fleet.
Premium Reserve will feature 35 seats on the 787-9 and 787-10, 28 on the A330, and 12 on the 737-10 MAX. Passengers will receive 38 inches of pitch, wider seats than traditional economy, additional recline, leg and calf rests, larger tray tables, storage, upgraded dining and amenities, and 16-inch 4K OLED entertainment screens with Bluetooth connectivity.
The addition will give both airlines four cabin options: Aurora or Leihōkū Suites, Premium Reserve, Premium Class, and Main Cabin.
The investments are part of Alaska Air Group’s Alaska Accelerate strategy, which focuses on growing its premium products, global network, and Atmos Rewards loyalty program. Alaska launched the strategy in 2024 and outlined its next phase during its 2026 Investor Day in Seattle.
“We believe premium is more than a seat,” said Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci. “It’s how guests feel from the moment they book their trip to the moment they arrive at the airport to when they’re in the air with us.”
Alaska and Hawaiian Extend Premium Experience From Curb to Cabin
The changes will extend beyond the aircraft. Alaska and Hawaiian plan to add dedicated check-in, new lounges, dining, entertainment, and connectivity. In Seattle, Aurora Suites passengers will receive dedicated check-in and concierge service before gaining access to a new Aurora Lounge. Alaska plans to open a nearly 41,000-square-foot lounge complex in the expanded C Concourse in late 2027.
The space will include a 500-seat Alaska Lounge and a separate 200-seat Aurora Lounge for Aurora Suites passengers traveling on intercontinental flights. The larger complex will feature an outdoor patio with a fireplace, private work pods, locally sourced food and drinks, a coffee lab, fresh pastries, and three premium bar areas.
The Aurora Lounge will add private shower suites, wellness spaces, made-to-order meals, à la carte dining, and tableside service. Along with dedicated check-in, the lounge will bring Aurora into the airport before passengers step onboard.
Hawaiian will take a similar approach in Honolulu. The airline plans to open a nearly 13,000-square-foot lounge at the entrance of Terminal 1’s Mauka Concourse in early 2028, with seating for about 200 passengers. The space will feature locally inspired food and drinks, a local coffee experience, a full-service bar, private workspaces, and artwork from local artists.
Dining will help give Aurora and Leihōkū their own identities. Alaska has partnered with Seattle chefs Renee Erickson and Brady Ishiwata Williams to develop menus that reflect its Pacific Northwest roots.
Erickson will create menus for Alaska’s European routes, including London, Rome, Athens, and Paris, while Williams will expand his work with the airline to routes between Seattle and Asia. Alaska will introduce a new international wine program with selections that pair with its new chef-led menus.
Hawaiian will continue using food to bring the flavors of Hawaii onboard. Hawaiian Airlines Executive Chef Dell Valdez will develop menus for Leihōkū Suites and First Class using local ingredients and culinary traditions, along with selected wine pairings.
Hawaiian has already brought that approach to the Main Cabin. This summer, the airline introduced a chef-led pre-order dining program on most flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland with Maui-based chef Sheldon Simeon, giving passengers more choice while bringing local flavors and ingredients onboard.