The transpacific market has undergone significant changes in the past century, with airlines like Pan Am, Japan Airlines, and Qantas paving the way for long-distance flights. With advancements in technology and the rise of twin-engine jets, such as the Boeing 777 and Airbus A330, transpacific routes became more affordable and accessible. Additionally, the formation of airline alliances, like one world, Star Alliance, and SkyTeam, allowed for increased cooperation and expansion of network offerings. Today, the transpacific market is dominated by several major airlines.
United Airlines is the largest US-based carrier operating across the Pacific Ocean, with a history dating back to the 1980s when deregulation allowed for expanded international operations. The airline utilizes major West Coast hubs like San Francisco International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and Chicago O’Hare International Airport to connect to popular Asian destinations such as Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, and Sydney. United also has a strong presence in Guam, using Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport as a hub to connect to destinations in Micronesia, Japan, South Korea, and other Asia-Pacific regions.
American Airlines, another major player in transpacific operations, began venturing into this market after deregulation in the 1980s. Through various alliances and mergers, including the 2013 merger with US Airways, American Airlines has expanded its network to include key Asian and Oceanic hubs like Haneda Airport, Narita International Airport, Incheon International Airport, and Sydney Airport. The majority of their flights to Hawaii are operated by Airbus aircraft.
Delta Air Lines gained a strong transpacific presence through their 2008 merger with Northwest Airlines, connecting major Asian destinations to the US mainland. The airline operates an extensive network from hubs in Los Angeles, Detroit, Seattle, and Atlanta. In recent years, they have shifted their focus to nonstop operations between the US and key Asian destinations like Haneda Airport, Incheon Airport, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Their partnership with Korean Air has enabled them to replace Narita with Seoul as their main hub for connections across Asia.
Alaska Airlines, based in Seattle, plays a crucial role as a gateway and feeder airline for transpacific flights. They partner with major airlines like Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific Airways, Qantas, and Malaysia Airlines through the one world alliance. Their hub in Seattle has become a vital launch point for transpacific flights, connecting to destinations in Asia and Oceania.
Hawaiian Airlines, based in Honolulu, operates flights to major US West Coast cities, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, and Australia. Their strong ties with Japan, their largest international market, have allowed them to expand southward in recent years to destinations like Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland.
International carriers such as Korean Air, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and EVA Air also operate extensive transpacific routes.