Alaska Airlines places massive order for aircraft with Boeing

By THE ALASKA STORY

Boeing and Alaska Airlines announced the largest aircraft purchase in the airline’s history on Wednesday, a move that reflects Alaska’s long-term strategy to grow its domestic network while accelerating its entry into long-haul international markets.

The agreement includes an order for 105 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, with options for an additional 35, bringing Alaska Airlines’ total 737 MAX order book to 174 airplanes. Alaska also committed to purchasing five Boeing 787 Dreamliners, adding widebody aircraft that will support new nonstop routes to Europe and Asia. The announcement coincides with the 60th anniversary of the partnership between the two Seattle-based companies, which began with the delivery of a Boeing 727 to Alaska Airlines in the 1960s.

“This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth, and is another building block in executing our Alaska Accelerate strategic plan,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO and president of Alaska Airlines. He said the new aircraft will allow the airline to expand to more destinations around the world while giving passengers access to newer, more fuel-efficient planes. Minicucci also highlighted Boeing as a Pacific Northwest partner and a symbol of American manufacturing.

The 737-10, the largest member of the 737 MAX family, will become a key part of Alaska’s narrowbody fleet. The aircraft is designed for high-density routes and offers the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane, allowing Alaska to carry more passengers while replacing older jets. Alaska already operates a large, all-Boeing narrowbody fleet, and the addition of the 737-10 maintains commonality with its existing Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX aircraft.

The purchase of additional 787 Dreamliners signals a significant expansion of Alaska’s long-haul ambitions. The widebody jets are designed for extended international routes and feature advanced aerodynamics, composite materials, and modern cabin designs aimed at improving fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. Alaska currently has five 787s in service, and the new order brings its total Dreamliner commitment to 12 aircraft as the airline plans to serve at least a dozen international destinations in the coming years.

“This is a historic airplane order built on Alaska Airlines’ record of strong performance and strategic expansion,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. She said Boeing is proud of Alaska’s success and honored that the airline continues to rely on Boeing aircraft to support its growth.

Alaska Airlines currently operates 248 Boeing 737 airplanes, making it one of the largest operators of the type. The new order deepens its long-standing relationship with Boeing, which remains one of the world’s leading aerospace companies and the largest exporter in the United States, producing commercial airplanes, defense systems, and space technologies for customers in more than 150 countries.