Thursday, January 4, 2024
Alaska Airlines is expanding its fleet with the arrival of the initial Boeing 737-8, marking a crucial step in our strategic, long-term plan for continued growth and success. This addition builds upon our strengths and sets the stage for ongoing achievements.
Our new Boeing 737-8 joins the youngest fleet among all U.S. airlines. From 2024 to 2027, we plan to incorporate 15 to 25 new Boeing aircraft each year. Currently, we have firm orders for an additional 80 737 MAX aircraft, along with options and purchase rights for 105 more. Anticipated for delivery in 2025, our first 737-10 further strengthens our fleet.
Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance, and alliances at Alaska Airlines, emphasized, “The inclusion of the 737-8 and eventually the 737-10 expands our capabilities to operate longer nonstop routes and maximize revenue potential. We’ve seen outstanding results with the 737-9 in terms of guest satisfaction, economics, and fuel efficiency, and we’re enthusiastic about the prospects with other 737 models.”
In March 2022, Alaska amended its existing 737-9 order with Boeing to include the larger 737-10 and the extended-range 737-8. These additional models are poised to bolster profitability and customer satisfaction by providing more flexibility in deploying aircraft sizes and capabilities tailored to specific markets.
For instance, we’re introducing the new nonstop Anchorage-New York JFK seasonal route using the 737-8, set to commence on June 13, 2024. Covering a distance of 3,386 miles, Anchorage-JFK becomes our longest flight, offering direct connectivity between two highly popular cities within our network.
Alaska’s aircraft orders
| Model | Delivered to date | Target Mix | Aircraft Seats | Role in Alaska’s Fleet |
| 737-10 | — | 120-140 | 190 | This model will be the largest, most efficient aircraft in our fleet |
| 737-9 | 65 | 80 | 178 | Ideal aircraft for long-haul, high-demand routes |
| 737-8 | 1 | 20-40 | 159 | Longest-range 737 best for high-performance and medium-sized markets |
In 2024, Alaska is scheduled to receive seven more 737-8s, with the next four joining the fleet in March. All three models, the 737-8, -9, and -10, share a common cockpit, engines, and similar components.
Meanwhile, Alaska’s regional carrier, Horizon Air, is also expanding its jet fleet. Over the next three years, Horizon plans to incorporate nine new Embraer E175s, reaching a total of 50 by the end of 2026. Additionally, our regional partner SkyWest operates 42 E175s on our behalf. The combined mainline and regional jet fleet presently stands at 310 aircraft.
Enhancements to the 737-800 aircraft will soon delight our guests. Beginning in late 2024, we are investing $130 million to revamp these cabins.
Todd Traynor-Corey, managing director of guest products at Alaska Airlines, remarked, “Ensuring a consistent guest experience is paramount for us. The updates to our older Boeing aircraft will align the cabins more closely with our 737-9 and 737-8, providing a unified experience across our Boeing fleet.”
The updates to the -800s include transitioning to a 161-seat layout with 16 seats in First Class and upgraded seats in Premium Class and the main cabin, while maintaining the current spaciousness.
The upcoming First Class seats will come equipped with a footrest and a holder for devices on the seatback, ensuring our guests experience an unparalleled seat pitch in the industry. We are proud to maintain our status as the sole U.S. airline providing an average 40″ seat pitch in First Class and 35″ in Premium Class throughout our mainline fleet. These improvements will be introduced on new 737-8 aircraft deliveries commencing in the latter part of 2024, followed by retrofits planned for the first five planes at a later date.
Anticipated completion of modifications for the new configuration is set for 2026. In the first half of this year, a subset of the -800s will undergo cabin refreshes to enhance the guest experience.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
