Alaska Airlines announces major expansion of First Class and Premium seating

Rhea-AI Summary

Alaska Airlines (ALK) has announced a major expansion of First Class and Premium seating across its mainline fleet, adding 1.3 million premium seats annually. Starting September 2024, the airline will begin retrofitting over 200 aircraft, including 737-900ERs, 737-800s, and 737-9 MAX planes. Key changes include:

- Increasing First Class seats from 12 to 16 on 737-800s
- Expanding Premium Class from 24 to 30 seats on 737-900ERs and 737-9 MAX
- Enhancing seat features with improved device holders, USB-C charging, and 6-way headrests

The expansion aims to meet growing demand for premium products, with First Class and Premium Class revenues up 8% and 6% respectively in the latest quarter. The retrofit will be completed by summer 2026, maintaining four lavatories per aircraft for passenger convenience.

Positive

• Addition of 1.3 million premium seats annually to the mainline fleet
• Increase in First Class seats from 12 to 16 on 737-800s
• Expansion of Premium Class from 24 to 30 seats on 737-900ERs and 737-9 MAX
• First Class and Premium Class revenues up 8% and 6% respectively in the latest quarter
• First Class load factor increased to 71%, up 4.3 points
• Maintenance of four lavatories per aircraft despite seating changes

Negative

• Reduction in Main Cabin seats to accommodate premium seating expansion

This expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats annually to our mainline fleet, providing guests with even more opportunities to upgrade to a premium experience

SEATTLE, July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- At Alaska Airlines, we're always looking for new ways to make your travel experience even better. We believe in giving you choices that fit your needs, whether you're all about the comfort and perks of Premium and First Class, or you appreciate the value and flexibility of our Main Cabin and Saver Fare options.

Starting in September, we're excited to begin rolling out additional First Class and Premium Class seating across more than 200 of our aircraft, including 900ERs, 800s and MAX9s. This expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats annually to our mainline fleet. Earlier this year, we successfully retrofitted our entire regional fleet, adding 400,000 Premium Class seats to our E175 aircraft.

More First Class and Premium seating

By increasing the number of seats available in these classes, we are making it easier than ever for our guests to upgrade while also meeting the growing demand for premium seating.

Aircraft	First Class	Premium Class	Number of aircraft being retrofitted	Timing
737-800	Increasing from 12 to 16 seats	30 seats will remain	59	Conversions will begin in early 2025; to be completed by summer 2026
737-900ER	16 seats will remain	Increasing from 24 to 30 seats	79	Conversions will begin in fall 2025; to be completed by summer 2025
737-9 MAX	16 seats will remain	Increasing from 24 to 30 seats	80	Conversions will begin in spring 2025; to be completed by summer 2026

First Class

For years, our guests have loved our industry-leading First Class experience. In partnership with RECARO, we've further enhanced this offering to provide our guests with ultimate comfort. Our new First Class seats installed on the 737-800 fleet will continue to boast the most legroom and features include a calf rest, new seatback device holder, 6-way headrest with neck support and USB-C charging capabilities.

Premium Class & Main Cabin

In Main Cabin and Premium Class of our 737-800 fleet, guests will continue to experience comfort and convenience at every seat with improved features, including new device holders with built in cup holders, USB-C charging and a 6-way headrest with dedicated neck support.

As we modify the 737-900ER fleet to increase Premium Class by converting six of our Main Cabin seats, these aircraft will receive an interior refresh, bringing modern touches like device holders in the main cabin to the backbone of our fleet. All MAX9 aircraft, among the newest in our fleet, will also get six additional seats converted to their Premium cabins, enhancing the comfort and luxury that our guests enjoy.

Meeting demand and enhancing availability

The decision to increase the number of First Class and Premium Class seats comes in response to growing demand from our valued guests. We understand that many travelers seek the added comfort and benefits of these classes, and we are committed to meeting this demand. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, upgrading your seat will now be more accessible than ever.

Our Premium Cabin performance continues to support what we believe to be a structural shift in higher demand for premium products. First Class and Premium Class revenues finished up 8% and 6% respectively, during this quarter, with our First Class load factor hitting 71% for the quarter, up 4.3 points. Our paid premium capacity has come a long way from the days of paid load factors in the 40% range for mainline and all-coach regional fleet.

Maintaining convenience with four lavatories

We are happy to share that even with the introduction of additional premium seats, our Boeing fleet of aircraft will maintain four lavatories for use. We recognize the importance of convenience and accessibility during your flight, and maintaining four lavatories ensures all guests, regardless of their seating class, have ample access to restroom facilities.

Premium perks when you fly with us

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you can enjoy our premium offerings on any Alaska flight, such as no change fees, extra legroom in First Class* and Premium Class and the most generous Mileage Plan with the quickest path to elite status.

Onboard, treat yourself to our industry-leading food and beverage service, featuring high-quality West Coast-inspired meals and a premium selection of drinks. Our tech-savvy travel experience, airport investments and remarkable employees ensure you're well taken care of every step of the way.

And if you haven't heard, we're making it easier for our guests to upgrade! Now you can pay to upgrade to First or Premium Class up to 50 minutes before departure on www.alaskaair.com under Manage on www.alaskaair.com or through the Alaska Airlines mobile app. 

Download our press kit, which includes high resolution photos of our premium seating and seat map configurations.

*Out of any U.S. legacy airline excluding lie-flat seats

About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, the Bahamas, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico. We offer our guests a premium flying experience with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program, Mileage Plan. With our fellow oneworld Alliance members and additional Global Partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group. 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alaska-airlines-announces-major-expansion-of-first-class-and-premium-seating-302199890.html

SOURCE ALASKA AIRLINES

FAQ

When will Alaska Airlines (ALK) begin rolling out additional First Class and Premium Class seating?

Alaska Airlines will begin rolling out additional First Class and Premium Class seating starting in September 2024.

How many premium seats will be added annually to Alaska Airlines' (ALK) mainline fleet?

Alaska Airlines will add 1.3 million premium seats annually to its mainline fleet.

What changes are being made to First Class seating on Alaska Airlines' (ALK) 737-800 aircraft?

First Class seating on Alaska Airlines' 737-800 aircraft will increase from 12 to 16 seats.

How is Alaska Airlines (ALK) expanding Premium Class seating on 737-900ER and 737-9 MAX aircraft?

Alaska Airlines is increasing Premium Class seating from 24 to 30 seats on both 737-900ER and 737-9 MAX aircraft.

When will Alaska Airlines (ALK) complete the retrofit of its aircraft with expanded premium seating?

Alaska Airlines plans to complete the retrofit of its aircraft with expanded premium seating by summer 2026.