Alaska Airlines has placed the largest aircraft order in its history, committing to more than 100 new Boeing narrowbodies and expanding its widebody fleet as it continues a growth strategy that has been years in the making. While the numbers are eye-catching, this move represents a deliberate extension of a path Alaska has already chosen.
The order is split between growth aircraft and replacements for older Boeing 737s, keeping Alaska’s fleet among the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the industry. Alaska already operates 737-8 and 737-9 aircraft (Alaska generally chooses not to call these aircraft “MAX 8” or “MAX 9” for good reason), and while this order is for the larger 737-10, the airline emphasized it retains flexibility to adjust aircraft variants if needed…the 737-10 is not yet certified and may never even take off.
CEO Ben Minicucci, framing the move as part of the airline’s long-term Alaska Accelerate strategy:
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
