Alaska Airlines has been shopping and is restructuring its order with Boeing. In total, the airline will receive a total of 68 Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft with options for an additional 52 planes.
In terms of delivery, Alaska is scheduled to new aircraft in the following numbers
- 13 planes in 2021
- 30 in 2022
- 13 in 2023
- 12 in 2024
If Alaska Airlines was to take up the 52 aircraft options, these would be set for delivery between 2023 to 2026. The restructured agreement with Boeing incorporates Alaska’s announcement last month to lease 13 737-9 aircraft.
Alaska Airlines will shift away from Airbus fleet it inherited when it brought out Virgin America – specifically the Airbus A319 and A320 fleets, number 61 aircraft in total. Interestingly, the airline will retain 10 of its Airbus A321neo aircraft beyond 2023.
The airline notes that The 737-9 can also fly up to 600 miles farther, which opens the possibility of new nonstop routes and destinations. They will be fitted with the Boeing Sky Interior.
In Quotes
Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group said
“We are extremely proud to be announcing this transformative agreement with Boeing,”
“We believe in this airplane, we believe in our strong partnership with Boeing, and we believe in the future of Alaska Airlines and the incredible opportunities ahead as we climb our way out of this pandemic. We could not ask for a better partner than Boeing and we are delighted to be standing side by side with them as we work together to get our economy back on its feet.”
Stan Deal, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said
“Alaska Airlines has done a tremendous job of weathering the impacts from the Covid-19 pandemic and is well positioned to return to its growth trajectory and strengthen its standing as one of the top U.S. airlines. With Alaska’s industry-leading reputation for safety, sustainability and customer service, we are honored that the airline has chosen to invest in its future with a significant purchase of additional Boeing 737 airplanes,”
“We are grateful for Alaska’s trust and partnership. Our team is focused on delivering their first 737 MAX jets and helping ensure a safe and seamless entry into service.”
Coming in March 2021
Alaska plans to begin revenue service with its first 737-9 in March 2021, with five additional aircraft expected to begin flying by summer 2021. The airline is trying to boost confidence in the launch, with a dedicated site at alaskaair.com/737MAX.
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond – Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, with in-depth coverage, unique research as well as the humour and madness as I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates! You can follow me on Instagram too!
Also remember that as well as being part of BoardingArea, we’re also part of BoardingArea.eu, delivering frequent flyer news, miles and points to the European reader
