Boeing Confidence Recovers as Alaska Airlines Orders 110 Jets

Alaska Airlines has announced its largest aircraft order to date, committing to purchase 110 Boeing jets. The order includes 105 Boeing 737-10 MAX narrowbody aircraft and five Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 35 737-10s.

Deliveries will extend through 2035 and are intended to support long-term fleet modernization and network expansion following Alaska’s merger with Hawaiian Airlines.

Fleet growth and network expansion plans

Marking 60 years of partnership with Boeing, Alaska’s CEO Ben Minicucci highlighted the role of the new fuel-efficient aircraft in expanding the carrier’s fleet from 413 aircraft today to more than 475 by 2030 and over 550 by 2035.

The growth supports the airline’s Alaska Accelerate strategy, which includes launching at least 12 new long-haul international routes from Seattle to destinations in Europe and Asia.

Aircraft roles

The Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft will strengthen Alaska’s high-density domestic network while maintaining fleet commonality with the airline’s existing 248 Boeing 737 and 737 MAX aircraft. This commonality helps reduce training, maintenance, and operating complexity.

The Boeing 787 Dreamliners will introduce Alaska’s new global livery and enable premium long-haul service across the Pacific, marking the airline’s first operation of widebody aircraft.

Confidence amid Boeing challenges

Alaska’s order represents strong confidence in the manufacturer. This comes despite a serious incident in January 2024, when a door plug panel blew out of a Boeing 737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska shortly after departure from Portland, Oregon. The aircraft had been delivered without key bolts installed, though the incident resulted in no serious physical injuries.

Alaska’s Senior VP Shane Jones said the order reflects “confidence in Boeing and their turnaround and their ability to produce quality aircraft on time.” 

Photo by David Syphers on Unsplash