Largest fleet order in Alaska Airlines’ history announced; will extend delivery stream through 2035

Alaska Airlines is ordering 105 new 737-10 aircraft and five new 787 aircraft — exercising all of its previous 787 options with Boeing.

Alaska — the parent company of Hawaiian Airlines — also secured rights for an additional 35 new 737-10 aircraft.

The order — the largest order in the airline’s history — secures critical delivery slots and extends the aircraft delivery stream through 2035.

“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,” said Alaska Air Group Chief Executive Officer Ben Minicucci in a release about the historic purchase. “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.”

The airline’s order brings its total orderbook with Boeing to 245 aircraft, in addition to the 94 MAX aircraft it operates now.

A mix of growth aircraft and replacement for aging 737s, this move will keep Alaska’s fleet one of the youngest in the industry and the most fuel-efficient for any premium, global airline.

Alaska Airlines already operates a narrowbody fleet that includes 737-9 and 737-8 aircraft. This new order is for 737-10 aircraft, but the airline retains the flexibility to adjust to a different model if necessary.

The five additional 787 widebody aircraft — which brings the airline’s future 787 widebody fleet to 17, with the five it already has in service — support the Alaska Accelerate strategic plan and will enable the airline to fly to at least 12 long-haul international destinations by 2030 from Seattle.

With an existing fleet of 413 aircraft, Alaska Air Group’s carriers will operate a fleet of more than 475 aircraft by 2030 and more than 550 by 2035.

Leaders from Alaska Airlines, Boeing and the U.S. Department of Transportation joined with employees, customers and guests to celebrate the fleet order and welcome the first 787-9 painted in Alaska’s global livery.

The new 787-9 exterior design draws inspiration from the natural wonder of the Northern Light, featuring a palette of deep midnight blues and lush emerald greens that channel the aurora’s energy and spirit of the Alaska brand.

It took artists — using a new aircraft painting technique — nearly 1,000 hours throughout 13 days to paint the aircraft exterior from nose to tail.

“As we transform into the country’s fourth largest global airline, we are proud to introduce a new, global livery for the Alaska brand,” Minicucci said. “The design is a tribute to Alaska’s rich history and a reflection of our bold vision for international growth and our commitment to connect the Pacific Northwest to the world.”

As the company’s brand strategy expands to meet its growing global footprint, essential elements of the legacies and history of its two airline brands remain unchanged.

The core Alaska Airlines brand expression will remain with the Alaska Native on the tail of narrowbody aircraft flying throughout the North American continent.

The Hawaiian Airlines brand will continue to be expressed in service to, from and within the Hawaiian Islands with Pualani on the tail of Airbus A321, A330 and Boeing 717 aircraft.

Flights to Europe and Asia from the expanding global gateway in Seattle are available for booking now online:

• London: Daily, year-round flights beginning May 21.
• Rome: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning April 28.
• Reykjavik, Iceland: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning May 28 (operated on a 737-8 MAX).
• Tokyo Narita: Daily, year-round flights already in service.
• Seoul Incheon, South Korea: Five-times-weekly, year-round flights already in service.

Click here to learn more about what’s happening at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.