Alaska Airlines received the first Boeing 737-8 MAX. These aircraft were included when the U.S. airline adjusted its order for the 737-9 to include the -10 and -8 versions, the latter offering greater range.
The airline anticipates receiving between 15 and 25 Boeing aircraft from 2024 to 2027, as outlined in the delivery schedule for an order of 80 aircraft with an option for an additional 105. To date, the company has only received aircraft from the 737-9 model, and this plane, registered as N801AK, is the first of the -8 series.
Nat Pieper, Senior Vice President of Fleet, Finance, and Alliances at Alaska Airlines, stated: «The addition of the 737-8 and, eventually, the 737-10 to our fleet creates new opportunities for longer non-stop routes, maximizing our revenue potential. We’ve achieved fantastic results with the 737-9 in passenger satisfaction, economy, and fuel efficiency, and we’re excited about our future with the other 737 models.»
Alaska Airlines modified its order for 80 aircraft with Boeing in March 2022, reducing the number of 737–9 planes to be received and incorporating the 737-10, the largest in the family, and the 737-8 with extended range.
The arrival of the 737-8 allows Alaska Airlines to open new medium-haul routes, such as the connection between Anchorage (ANC) and New York (JFK) starting from June 13, 2024. This flight will be the longest operated by the airline, covering 3,386 miles.
As reported by the airline, it is expected that another seven 737-8 aircraft will join the fleet during 2024, with four units of this aircraft arriving in March. Additionally, Alaska confirmed in the press release that the first 737-10 is expected to arrive in 2025.
Todd Traynor-Corey, General Manager of Customer Products at Alaska Airlines, emphasized: «It’s more important than ever that we offer a consistent product to our customers. The updates we are making to our older Boeing aircraft will provide a more consistent experience for guests in our Boeing fleet, making the cabins look and feel more like our 737-9 and 737-8 aircraft.»
Enhancements for the 737-800 Fleet
By the end of 2024, Alaska will commence the process of updating its Boeing 737-800 fleet with an investment of $130 million. The improvements include a change in cabin configuration, increasing capacity to 161 passengers in three classes, with 16 seats in First Class and new seats in Premium Class and Main Cabin.
The new First Class seats feature a footrest and a device holder on the backrest, with an average spacing of 40″ in First Class and 35″ in Preferred Class. Passengers can expect these same upgrades in the new deliveries of the 737-8 from the second half of 2024, with subsequent adaptations in the first five aircraft.
