SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — Alaska Airlines announced a firm order for a dozen more 737 MAX jets. This is the third order for Boeing's troubled single-aisle since the Federal Aviation Administration ungrounded the jet in November 2020.



In December, Alaska ordered 23 Boeing MAXs to add to the 45 it already had on order, with purchase options to buy an additional 52 MAXs on good financial terms later.

In May, it exercised options to add 13 more MAXs while also buying 17 Embraer E175 regional jets as it anticipated an easing of the pandemic and a summer surge in air travel.

With Monday’s additional order, Alaska’s total MAX order is now 93 jets, of which five are already in service, with seven more coming later this year. It has also added options to replace the 25 exercised so far this year.

“These aircraft are a prudent, long-term investment in our business,” said Nat Pieper, Alaska Airlines senior vice president in charge of fleet planning.

“We are excited to accelerate Alaska’s growth,” Pieper added.

Boeing subsequently restructured the terms of Alaska’s prior order for the MAX with discounts to compensate the airline and encourage the follow-on orders.