Alaska Airlines has placed the largest order for Boeing aircraft in the carrier’s history.
The Seattle-based airline has ordered 105 737-10 aircraft and five 787 widebody aircraft, with an option for an additional 35 737-10s. The aircraft will be delivered through 2035.
The announcement was celebrated at a gathering of leaders from Alaska Airlines, Boeing, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, along with employees, customers, and guests, who welcomed the first 787-9 painted in Alaska’s global livery.
According to a media release, the new 787-9 exterior design draws inspiration from the natural wonder of the aurora borealis, featuring a palette of deep midnight blues and lush emerald greens that channel the natural light show’s energy and spirit of the Alaska brand.
The livery was done utilizing a new aircraft painting technique, and it took artists nearly 1,000 hours across 13 days to paint the aircraft exterior from nose to tail.
“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,” Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci said in a statement. “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. We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Boeing, a Pacific Northwest neighbor and a company that stands as a symbol of American innovation and manufacturing.”
According to airline officials, this brings Alaska’s total order book with Boeing to 245 aircraft, in addition to the 94 Max aircraft Alaska currently operates. The order makes Alaska the fourth-largest global airline.
Alaska Airlines operates a fleet of 413 aircraft, which includes narrowbody 737-9 and 737-8 models.
The order represents a mix of replacement aircraft for the aging 737 fleet and growth aircraft to keep up with expanding customer needs.
Company officials noted the five additional 787 widebody aircraft are part of the “Alaska Accelerate” strategic plan that will enable the airline to fly to at least 12 long-haul international destinations from Seattle by 2030.
Alaska Air Group’s carriers will operate a fleet of more than 475 aircraft by 2030 and more than 550 aircraft by 2035.
