Boeing
B737 9 Alaska Airlines 1540 5fe264d02069e

Alaska Airlines Raises Order for New 737 MAX Jets

Dec. 22, 2020
The carrier is set now to take delivery of 55 new aircraft, with leases for 13 more, and options for another 52 as it restructures it fleet around Boeing’s 737 MAX series.

Boeing and Alaska Airlines have restructured an earlier order for 737 MAX aircraft, resulting in 23 additional 737 MAX 9 jets for the carrier, or a total of 68 new aircraft plus options 52 more. Alaska Airlines, the fifth-largest U.S. airline, is restructuring its fleet around Boeing’s narrow-body 737 MAX series, and will take 13 new jets in 2021, 30 in 2022, 13 in 2023, and 12 in 2024.

The first deliveries will take place during Q1 2021, as Boeing resumes deliveries following the FAA’s recertification of the 737 MAX series last month.

Neither Boeing nor Alaska Airlines has indicated the total value of the current contract. With a reported book value of $55 million per 737 MAX jet, the deal could have a value of $2.96 billion for Boeing, according to one published report.

According to the airline, the new deal moves it toward a more efficient, all-Boeing mainline fleet that will enhance passengers’ experience, improve operational performance, and support its organizational growth.

"We believe in this airplane, we believe in our strong partnership with Boeing, and we believe in the future of Alaska Airlines and the incredible opportunities ahead as we climb our way out of this pandemic," stated the carrier’s CEO Brad Tilden.

Neither Boeing nor Alaska Airlines has indicated the total value of the current contract. With a reported book value of $55 million per 737 MAX jet, the deal could have a value of $2.96 billion for Boeing, according to one published report.

Originally, in 2012, Alaska Airlines, ordered 32 737-9 jets as part of its fleet modernization program. In November, Alaska Airlines announced it would lease 13 new 737-9s from Air Lease Corp. and sell some Airbus A320 jets it acquired in its takeover of Virgin America.