Putting our best fleet forward: Alaska Airlines recalibrates Boeing 737-9 order

Rhea-AI Summary

Alaska Airlines plans to enhance its fleet by modifying its existing order for 737-9 aircraft with Boeing, incorporating the larger 737-10 and longer-range 737-8 models. This adjustment aims to optimize operational efficiency and meet market demands with a total of 145 aircraft. The new mix will include 70 737-9s, 60 737-10s, and 15 737-8s. Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2023 and early 2024. The 737 MAX family promises improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, aligning with Alaska's sustainability goals.

Positive

• Strategic fleet expansion with new 737 models to enhance operational efficiency.
• New aircraft models expected to improve fuel efficiency by 20% compared to the Airbus A320.
• Delivery of new aircraft starting in late 2023, indicating growth potential.

Negative

• None.

SEATTLE, March 2, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines announced plans today to broaden our mainline fleet by adjusting our current 737-9 aircraft order with Boeing to include the bigger 737-10 and longer-range 737-8, which are all part of the 737 MAX family of planes. These additional 737 models will enhance Alaska's ability to meet specific market requirements with optimal aircraft size and capability.

"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," said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. "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."

Prior to today's announcement, Alaska's contractual 737 order featured 145 firm orders and options for 737-9 aircraft for delivery between 2021-2026. There are currently 14 737-9s in Alaska's fleet. Of the remaining 131 aircraft, 79 are firm orders and 52 are options. We now envision a mix of 70 737-9s, 60 737-10s and 15 737-8s for the 145 planes.

Aircraft	Target Mix	Seats	Role in Alaska's Fleet
737-10	60	189	Will be the largest, most efficient aircraft in our long-term fleet
737-9	70	178	Core large aircraft ideal for long-haul, high-demand routes
737-8	15	162	Longest-range 737 best for high-performance and medium-sized markets

"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," said Brad McMullen, vice president of North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Alaska expects to take delivery of our first 737-8 airplanes in the second half of 2023 and our first 737-10s in early 2024. They will build on the success of the 737-9 which offers 20% better fuel efficiency and generates 20% less carbon emissions per seat than the Airbus A320 they're replacing. The three 737 MAX models offer several key common features, such as the same cockpit, same engines, and similar aircraft and engine components.    

On board our planes, we have seat pitch that's worth talking about. We're the only U.S. airline with an average of 40" pitch in First Class and 35" in Premium Class across our mainline fleet – giving our guests plenty more room to stretch out. Our guests will also soon enjoy refreshed updates to all 61 of our 737-800 aircraft as we invest $20 million to brighten, refurbish and add conveniences to those cabins with modifications scheduled to begin in August.

Alaska is a member of theoneworld global alliance. With oneworld and our additional airline partners, our guests can earn and redeem miles with our highly-acclaimed Mileage Plan program to fly on more than 20 oneworld and partner airlines all around the globe.

Alaska remains committed to Next-Level Care for its guests and employees by implementing more than 100 ways to maintain the highest standard of safety – from clean planes to clean air in the cabin with hospital-grade air filtration systems. For everyone's safety on board, Alaska continues to enforce the federally mandated mask policy, even for those who are fully vaccinated. 

About Alaska Airlines 
Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. We emphasize Next-Level Care for our guests, along with providing low fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability efforts. Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With the alliance and our additional airline partners, guests can travel to more than 1,000 destinations on more than 20 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK). 

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SOURCE Alaska Airlines

FAQ

What is Alaska Airlines' recent announcement about their aircraft order?

Alaska Airlines announced plans to adjust their Boeing 737-9 order to include larger 737-10 and longer-range 737-8 models.

When will Alaska Airlines receive the new aircraft?

Alaska Airlines expects to take delivery of the first 737-8 airplanes in the second half of 2023 and the first 737-10s in early 2024.

How many aircraft will Alaska Airlines have in total after the adjustment?

Alaska Airlines will have a total of 145 aircraft, including 70 737-9s, 60 737-10s, and 15 737-8s.

What are the benefits of the new Boeing 737 models for Alaska Airlines?

The new models promise improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions, aligning with Alaska Airlines' sustainability goals.

What is the current fleet composition of Alaska Airlines before the new deliveries?

Prior to the announcement, Alaska Airlines had 14 737-9s in its fleet, with 131 aircraft remaining in the order.