Rome, February 19, 2026 – Alaska Airlines, in partnership with Global Gsa Group, has announced the launch of a new direct flight connecting Rome Fiumicino (FCO) to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). The service, set to commence in late April 2026, will operate daily using Boeing 787-9 aircraft, significantly enhancing air cargo capacity between Italy and North America.
Strategic Partnership to Boost Cargo Traffic
The agreement designates Global Gsa Group as the General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA), entrusting the European company with the commercial responsibility for selling cargo space on these daily flights. The primary objective is to develop and expand freight traffic from Italy to North America and other international markets, including Asia Pacific and South America, leveraging Seattle’s strategic position as a gateway.
Ian Morgan, Vice President Cargo at Alaska Airlines, highlighted that air freight represents a crucial revenue diversification strategy and a central element in the airline’s growth plans. The company is actively expanding its transit traffic via Seattle, with a particular focus on connections to Asia and the development of its European network. Alaska Airlines, the fifth largest airline in the United States and fifteenth globally, serves over 115 destinations worldwide, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Rome-Seattle Route: A Gateway for Italian Exports
The new service will provide Italian freight forwarders with direct access to over a hundred destinations served by Alaska Airlines in the United States and international markets. Global Gsa Group will focus on consolidating and expanding relationships with Italian freight forwarders, aiming to capitalize on the new connection for the transport of high-value and specialized goods. This includes aerospace spare parts, high fashion and accessories, food products, pharmaceuticals, and mechanical components.
Aytekin Saray, Chief Executive Officer of Global Gsa Group, emphasized the close collaboration with Italian freight forwarders and the intention to maximize the benefits of the new connection for both the market and Alaska Airlines. He noted that the Rome-Seattle route is particularly attractive for the variety of special goods exported from Italy, offering a direct service to the US Pacific Northwest and further destination markets.
Enhancing Seattle’s Role as a Global Hub
The daily connection will reinforce Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s positioning as a key entry point to the North American market and a vital hub for onward connections to Asia Pacific, the South Pacific, and Latin America. This expansion aligns with Alaska Airlines’ broader strategy to strengthen its cargo capabilities across transatlantic and transpacific markets.
Broader Implications for Air Cargo and Logistics
This development comes at a time when the air cargo industry is navigating various challenges and opportunities. Recent reports indicate a 2% growth in global air freight volumes in the first week of February 2026, with rebounds in North America and the Middle East, despite the passing peak for flower shipments from Central and South America and anticipated capacity reductions from Greater China due to the Lunar New Year. The industry also faces uncertainties stemming from geopolitical factors and regulatory changes, such as the EU Implementing Regulation 2024/1255, which tightens security measures for air cargo and mail, particularly impacting surface transport and the role of road hauliers in the Avsec chain.
The new Rome-Seattle route is expected to contribute positively to the overall air cargo landscape, providing a reliable and efficient channel for Italian exports and strengthening the global logistics network.
