Alaska Airlines has made a significant leap in its expansion plans by securing an unprecedented order for more than 100 Boeing jets, officially announced on Wednesday. This landmark deal, the largest in the airline’s history, consists of 105 Boeing 737 Max 10 jets, as well as five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. The addition of these aircraft will allow Alaska to enhance its fleet significantly and secure valuable order slots well into the next decade.
Shane Jones, Alaska Airlines’ fleet chief, shared insights with CNBC, revealing that the airline anticipates Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for the Max 10 jets later this year, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027. This move is pivotal as Alaska Airlines looks to strengthen its international presence following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines in 2024. The current order will help replace older aircraft while supporting new routes and long-haul travel.
This latest acquisition builds on Alaska’s previous order of more than 40 Max 10 planes, which now includes options for an additional 35 aircraft. Of the jets ordered, 53 are brand new, while the remaining 52 come from options previously held by the airline.
Boeing, facing over 6,000 aircraft on backlog, sees Alaska’s commitment as a strong endorsement, despite a recent incident involving a 737 Max 9 aircraft that was delivered with an oversight in its assembly. This past issue serves as a reminder of the manufacturing challenges the company has faced, yet the current order reflects Alaska Airlines’ optimism and confidence in Boeing’s ongoing improvements and reliability.
As Alaska Airlines expands its fleet, it aims to enhance customer experience and connectivity, paving the way for future growth in the competitive aviation market.