SEATTLE (VINnews)— Alaska Airlines announced Wednesday its largest aircraft order ever, committing to 105 Boeing 737-10 jets and five 787 Dreamliners, as the carrier pursues domestic and international expansion following its 2024 merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

The deal includes options for 35 additional 737-10s, extending deliveries through 2035 and securing production slots amid Boeing’s backlog of more than 6,000 aircraft.

The order boosts Alaska’s 737 MAX commitments to 174 planes and its 787 fleet to 12 widebodies, supporting plans to serve at least 12 long-haul international destinations from Seattle by 2030.

“This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group.

The announcement coincides with the 60th anniversary of Alaska’s partnership with Boeing, which began with deliveries of 727 jets.

The 737-10, the largest variant of the MAX family still awaiting Federal Aviation Administration certification, offers improved fuel efficiency and capacity for high-density routes.

The additional 787s, expected as the longer-range -10 model, will enable expansion into Europe and Asia with enhanced passenger comfort and range.

Of the 105 737-10s, 53 represent new firm orders, while 52 come from exercised options. The five 787s also stem from prior options.

The purchase signals confidence in Boeing two years after a door plug incident on an Alaska 737 MAX 9 in January 2024, which prompted heightened FAA oversight of the manufacturer’s production.

Alaska currently operates a fleet of more than 400 aircraft across its brands and aims to exceed 550 by 2035, maintaining one of the industry’s youngest and most efficient lineups.

Jooish News

Jooish News