Alaska Airlines has finalised a deal for 105 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, plus 35 options, the largest order in the carrier’s history. The move, which extends Alaska’s narrowbody delivery pipeline through to 2035, is a mix of fleet renewal and growth capacity. The airline currently operates 248 Boeing 737s and holds a total MAX-family order book of 174 aircraft.
Under the “Alaska Accelerate” plan, the carrier intends to use the -10 variant, the largest in the MAX family, to optimise its high-density domestic trunk routes. While the deal includes five additional 787s, the primary focus remains on narrowbody commonality across its Seattle and Portland hubs.
Alaska’s decision to centre its narrowbody future on the 737-10 is a strategic play for unit-cost dominance on the West Coast. By moving to the -10, Alaska is chasing the lowest seat-mile costs in its history, a necessity as it faces increased competition from both ultra-low-cost carriers and Delta’s growing Seattle presence.
Critically, the expansion will be achieved without sacrificing the profitability of its premium cabin offerings, enabling the airline to capture a wider market share while maintaining its strong financial model.
By locking in deliveries up to 2035, Alaska is securing scarce production slots in an era of constrained supply chains. However, as the variant has faced significant certification headwinds at the FAA, the reliance on the -10 brings a degree of risk.
Image: Boeing
Alaska intends to use the -10 variant, the largest in the MAX family, to optimise its high-density domestic trunk routes
