Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK) launched its first nonstop flight between Seattle and Rome on April 28, marking the airline's expansion into Europe. The seasonal daily service operates through October 23, providing the only direct connection between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport.

The flight departs Seattle at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Rome at 1:15 p.m. local time. Westbound flights leave Rome at 3:25 p.m. and arrive in Seattle at 5:45 p.m.

"Launching our first flight to Europe is a significant step in executing our long-term growth strategy," said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group. "Service to Rome expands how we connect our guests to the world, strengthens Seattle's role as a global gateway and is made possible by our people who deliver safety, care and performance with every flight."

The service operates on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner featuring Alaska's new international business class Suites experience with 34 business class seats. The aircraft displays the airline's new global livery design.

Alaska Airlines becomes the first U.S. passenger airline to offer daily nonstop cargo service between Seattle and Rome, expanding its cargo network to 109 destinations worldwide.

The new route enables connections between Hawaii and Europe with one stop in Seattle. Alaska Airlines plans to launch year-round Seattle-London service on May 21 and resume Seattle-Tokyo service this fall using the 787 aircraft.

Ryan Calkins, Port of Seattle commission president, stated the new route "opens one of the largest unserved markets for SEA for both leisure and business travelers."

Alaska Airlines operates from hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco, serving more than 140 destinations across North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe.