Alaska Airlines is adjusting their current Boeing 737-9 MAX order to include the larger 737-10 and longer-range 737-8 models. Alaska’s original order included 145 firm orders and options for 737-9s for delivery between 2021-2026.
On Wednesday (March 2, 2022), Alaska Airlines announced that they will recalibrate their Boeing 737-9 MAX order with the inclusion of the larger 737-10 and longer-range 737-8 models. The carrier’s original agreement included 145 firm orders and options for 737-9s scheduled for delivery from 2021 through 2026. Alaska currently has 14 Boeing 737-9s in their operating fleet, and of the remaining 131 aircraft on order there are 79 firm orders and 52 options. With today’s announcment, the airline now envisions a mix of 70 737-9s, 60 737-10s and 15 737-8s for the total of 145 airplanes.
In Wednesday’s announcement, Alaska Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Fleet, Finance and Alliances, Nat Pieper, said,
“We're excited to add these new 737 models to our fleet and continue our upgauging strategy, which maximizes our revenue opportunity with more seats while reducing unit costs. This announcement is a further step in our drive toward a single fleet featuring Boeing aircraft and CFM engines – we are very appreciative of their partnerships.”
Also commenting on the MAX order adjustment, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ Vice President of North America Sales, Brad McMullen, said,
“The 737 MAX family can meet a broad range of missions, while reducing fuel use, cutting emissions and offering commonality for passengers and crews alike. We look forward to supporting Alaska as they diversify their 737 MAX family with the 737-8 and 737-10.”
Alaska Airlines expects to take delivery of their first 737-8s in the second half of 2023 and their first 737-10s in early 2024. The new fleet mix will build on the success of the 737-9 which offers a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions per seat compared to the Airbus A320s they will are replacing. All MAX Family models share substantial commonality including the same cockpit, engines and similar aircraft and engine components.
Alaska Airlines and their regional partners serve over 120 destinations in the United States, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and Belize. The sustainability-focused carrier emphasizes Next-Level Care for guests, while offering low fares and award-winning service. Alaska has hubs in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland and Anchorage. The carrier is a member of the oneworld global alliance, and along with their additional partners, Alaska Airlines’ guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 1,000 global destinations on over 20 airlines. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of the Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK).
Source: Alaska Airlines