Alaska Airlines' Boeing order includes 105 737-10s and five 787 Dreamliners, marking fleet growth and expansion on long-haul routes.
Alaska Airlines just made a big move, and it’s historic.
The Seattle-based airline announced today that it has placed the largest fleet order in its history, committing to purchase 105 Boeing 737-10 aircraft and five Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The deal also includes options to purchase an additional 35 737-10 aircraft, locking in delivery slots that will run into the next decade until 2035.
It's not only a clear signal of the direction the airline is heading, but also a sign of its confidence in Boeing as the OEM's woes continue to recede.
These aircraft will fuel our expansion to more destinations around the world and ensure our guests travel on the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft.
Ben Minicucci | CEO of Alaska Airlines
“This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support stable, scalable and continued growth,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “These aircraft will fuel our expansion to more destinations around the world and ensure our guests travel on the newest, most fuel-efficient, state-of-the-art aircraft.”
A big promise for the 737-10
The announcement involves large orders for the 737-10, which has not yet been certified. Alaska Airlines ordered 105 aircraft, plus 35 options, bringing its Boeing order total to 245 aircraft. This number does not include the 94 MAX aircraft already flying today in Alaskan colors.
The 737-10 will do double duty. Some will support growth, while others will replace older 737s as the airline works to make its fleet the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the industry. Alaska Airlines already operates the 737-8 and 737-9, and while this order is specifically for the 737-10, the airline retains the flexibility to adjust the model as needed.
Dreamliners, global ambitions and a new livery
The widebody part of the order is equally important. Alaska Airlines has exercised all remaining options on its 787 aircraft, adding five Dreamliners to its future fleet. These aircraft are intended to be delivered as larger 787-10 models.
These jets will play a key role in transportation in Alaska Accelerate strategic planssupporting long-distance growth in Seattle. By 2030, the airline expects to serve at least 12 international destinations in Europe and Asia. With this order, Alaska Airlines' 787 fleet now has 17 aircraft, five of which are already in service.
As Alaska celebrates this major milestone, it is also celebrating the arrival of the first Dreamliner. Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (registration number N784HA) arrived January 6 at Boeing Field (BFI) in Seattle. Fresh out of the paint shop at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (FTW), the aircraft features the airline's new global livery design, inspired by the Northern Lights and signaling the airline's growing international ambitions.
Good growth in the 2030s
Alaska Airlines Group currently operates a fleet of 413 aircraft. With this order, this number is expected to increase to over 475 aircraft by 2030 and over 550 aircraft by 2035.
For Boeing, the news marks another milestone in a six-decade relationship. The cooperation between the two parties began with the delivery of a 727 aircraft. Today, Alaska Airlines operates hundreds of 737 aircraft while steadily building a Dreamliner fleet. And, as mentioned earlier, this shows the confidence Alaska has in its manufacturers as it emerges from a decade filled with highly publicized missteps.
This is a historic aircraft order.
Stephanie Pope | President and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes
“This is a historic aircraft order,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Everyone at Boeing is proud of Alaska Airlines' success and honored that they trust our employees and our 737 and 787 aircraft to help their airline grow.”
With new aircraft about to enter service, international routes on the horizon, and future delivery slots set, today’s announcement is a defining moment for Alaska Airlines and a clear sign that the airline is thinking long-term and ambitious.
