Boeing, Alaska Airlines seal largest fleet deal with 105 737-10 jets, five 787s
Boeing and Alaska Airlines announced their largest aircraft order in history on January 7, featuring 105 Boeing 737-10 jets with 35 additional options and five 787 Dreamliners. The deal increases Alaska Airlines' 737 MAX order book to 174 aircraft and 787 order book to 12 units, supporting domestic high-density routes and international expansion to Europe and Asia. This historic order marks the 60th year of partnership between the companies and forms a key component of Alaska Airlines' Alaska Accelerate strategic plan.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Boeing and Alaska Airlines announced the largest aircraft order in the airline's history on January 7, marking a significant milestone in their six-decade partnership. The comprehensive deal includes 105 Boeing 737-10 aircraft with options for 35 additional units, plus five 787 Dreamliners to support the carrier's ambitious expansion plans.
Fleet Expansion Details
The order significantly expands Alaska Airlines' aircraft portfolio across multiple categories:
| Aircraft Type | Order Quantity | Options | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-10 | 105 units | 35 additional | High-density routes, single-aisle fleet renewal |
| Boeing 787 Dreamliners | 5 units | - | International network expansion |
With this purchase, Alaska Airlines' total 737 MAX order book rises to 174 aircraft, while their 787 order book increases to 12 aircraft. The airline currently operates 248 Boeing 737 aircraft and has five 787 Dreamliners in service.
Strategic Implementation
The 737-10 aircraft will be deployed on high-density routes and support the renewal and growth of Alaska Airlines' single-aisle fleet. The model is expected to enable the carrier to serve more passengers on more routes with a lower cost per seat, supporting the airline's modernisation strategy and future network expansion.
Alaska Air Group CEO and President Ben Minicucci emphasized the strategic importance: "This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth, and is another building block in executing our Alaska Accelerate strategic plan. These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe and ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft."
International Growth Strategy
The five 787 Dreamliners will specifically support Alaska Airlines' long-haul growth strategy, enabling expansion of the airline's international network including services to and from Europe and Asia. The widebody aircraft offers several operational advantages:
- Fuel efficiency and long-range capability
- Enhanced passenger comfort
- Advanced aerodynamics and composite structure
- Modern cabin design
The Seattle-based carrier plans to use the expanded widebody fleet to grow its global network and serve at least 12 international destinations over the next few years.
Partnership Milestone
The announcement coincides with the 60th year of partnership between Boeing and Alaska Airlines, which began with the delivery of a Boeing 727 to the carrier. Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, highlighted the significance: "This is a historic aeroplane order underwritten by Alaska Airlines' record of strong performance and strategic expansion. All of us at Boeing are proud of Alaska's success and are honored they have placed their trust in our people and our 737 and 787 aeroplanes to help grow their airline."
The addition of the 737-10 is expected to enhance network and fleet flexibility while maintaining commonality with Alaska Airlines' existing Next-Generation 737 and 737 MAX fleet, supporting operational efficiency and crew training standardization.
18
