Alaska Airlines (Alaska) has taken delivery of the first Boeing 737-8 aircraft – the next component of its strategic, long-term fleet plan that builds on its strengths and provides a road map for ongoing future success.
From 2024 through 2027, Alaska is on track to add 15-25 new Boeing aircraft each year. Currently the carrier has firm orders for 80 more 737 MAX aircraft, with options and purchase rights for another 105 aircraft. The first Boeing 737-10 is scheduled for delivery in 2025.
“The addition of the 737-8 and eventually the 737-10 to our fleet creates new opportunities for us to fly longer nonstop routes and maximize our revenue potential,” said Nat Pieper, Senior Vice President of Fleet, Finance and Alliances at Alaska Airlines. “We have achieved terrific results with the 737-9 in guest satisfaction, economics and fuel efficiency and we are excited for our future with the other 737 models.”
In March 2022, Alaska adjusted its existing 737-9 aircraft order with Boeing to include the bigger 737-10 and longer-range 737-8. Alaska is scheduled to take delivery of seven more 737-8s in 2024, with the next four slotted to enter the fleet in March. The 737-8, -9 and -10 all offer a common cockpit, common engines and similar components.
Alaska's regional carrier, Horizon Air, also continues to grow its fleet of jets. Over the next three years, Horizon will add nine new Embraer E175s, bringing its total to 50 by the end of 2026. Alaska's regional partner SkyWest also operates 42 E175s on Alaska's behalf. The combined fleet size of mainline and regional jets is currently 310.
