Alaska Airlines orders 52 Boeing 737 MAX

Alaska Airlines is exercising options to purchase 52 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft for delivery between 2024 and 2027, growing the airline's confirmed 737 MAX fleet from 94 to 146.

Alaska has also secured rights for 105 more planes through 2030, ensuring access to sufficient aircraft for fleet replacement and growth. This agreement represents the largest commitment for future aircraft in the airline's history, says an official release.

"This investment secures aircraft to optimise our growth through the next decade, which we know will be a formidable competitive advantage," says Ben Minicucci, CEO, Alaska Airlines. "We're proud of the strong financial foundation that uniquely positions Alaska to make this commitment to our future, and of the fantastic partnership we share with our hometown aircraft manufacturer at Boeing."

Stan Deal, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes adds: "As Alaska Airlines sustainably grows its fleet, the 737 MAX family offers environmental performance and flexibility to expand service across its route network. Built in our Renton factory near Alaska's headquarters in Washington state, these airplanes will carry passengers to destinations for years to come."

Operating a fleet of 35 737-9 aircraft, Alaska expects to accept delivery of 43 MAX aircraft by the end of 2023 — "at which point we will once again operate a mainline fleet solely of Boeing aircraft. The performance of the 737-9 has exceeded expectations on economics and fuel efficiency, as well as guest satisfaction."

The new order gives Alaska line of sight to operating more than 250 737 MAX series by 2030. "The flexibility built into the agreement allows us to match our deliveries with economic conditions while saving our place in the production line."