Alaska Airlines has accelerated its fleet growth plans by exercising options early on 12 Boeing 737-9 aircraft. The option aircraft are now firm commitments for 2023 and 2024 delivery. This additional commitment brings Alaska's total firm 737-9 order to 93 aircraft, five of which are currently in service.
Alaska announced a restructured agreement with Boeing in December 2020 to acquire 68 737-9 aircraft between 2021 to 2024, with options for another 52 deliveries between 2023 and 2026. This year, the airline has exercised 25 of the options, including 13 planes in May. As part of this transaction, Alaska will add 25 options to backfill the ones that have been exercised.
"We are excited to accelerate Alaska's growth, building on our solid financial foundation that enabled us to weather the pandemic," said Nat Pieper, Alaska Airlines senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances. "These aircraft are a prudent, long-term investment in our business that we can make while simultaneously maintaining our strong balance sheet."
Pieper added that the MAX aircraft is continuing to exceed its expectations with the operational, financial and environmental performance of the aircraft. "The planes are exceeding our expectations – from how quiet the engines run to the greater range they provide – and our guests love them," he said.
Alaska's 737-9s are configured to carry 178 passengers with 16 first class seats and 24 premium class seats.