Alaska Airlines announced an order for over 100 Boeing aircraft on Wednesday. This acquisition, stated as the airline's largest to date, secures manufacturing slots through the mid-2030s for fleet expansion.
The order includes 105 Boeing 737 Max 10 jets, which are pending certification, and five 787-10 Dreamliners. The acquisition of 787-10s involves exercising previous purchase options and is part of the airline's international expansion strategy.
Shane Jones, who manages Alaska Airlines' fleet, revenue products, and real estate, indicated that the airline anticipates the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will certify the 737 Max 10 this year. Deliveries for these aircraft are expected to commence in 2027.
Following its 2024 merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines had an existing order for over 40 737 Max 10 aircraft. The new order encompasses 53 new aircraft and 52 from exercised options, along with options for an additional 35 jets.
This order contributes to Boeing's backlog of over 6,000 aircraft. The purchase follows a January 5, 2024, incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9, where a door plug detached mid-flight shortly after departure from Portland, Oregon. No serious physical injuries resulted from that event.