Alaska Airlines announced plans today to broaden our mainline fleet by adjusting our current 737-9 aircraft order with Boeing to include 737-10 and 737-8. The incorporation of the larger variant (and the smaller, longer-range -8) is a major shift in the carrier’s strategy.
Alaska Airlines placed an order for 32 737-9 jets in 2012 as part of its fleet modernization program. The company announced a restructured agreement with Boeing in December 2020 to acquire 68 737-9 aircraft between 2021 to 2024, with options for another 52 deliveries between 2023 and 2026.
Those options were firmed up in March 2021 and further extended in august 2021, reaching 145 firm orders and options for 737-9 aircraft for delivery between 2021-2026 prior to the order change signed today.
There are currently 14 737-9s in Alaska’s fleet. Of the remaining 131 aircraft, 79 are firm orders and 52 are options. The carrier envisions a mix of 70 737-9s, 60 737-10s, and 15 737-8s for the 145 planes.
“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.”
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% fewer 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.
“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.
