SEATTLE, WASHINGTON — Alaska Air Cargo expands its fleet with two additional Boeing 737-800 freighters. These additions increase the freighter fleet of the US carrier from three to five aircraft.
“Fleet expansion positions our growing cargo business to meet the increased demand that we see from industry and consumers,”
“The -800 aircraft provides more load space than our current -700 freighters, essentially doubling Air Cargo’s total freighter lift capacity. We look forward to getting these -800s into service to support Alaska’s supply chain and connect cargo to over 100 cities we serve across North America,”
Drouhard added.
The two 737-800 converted aircraft will come from Alaska Airlines' existing passenger fleet. The planes will be converted from their passenger configuration to an all-freight aircraft beginning this year. They’re projected to re-enter service as freighters in 2023.
The -800 aircraft provides a 40% capacity increase per departure over the current -700 aircraft with a payload of nearly 50,000 pounds. With a range of 2,800 nautical miles, the -800 will be the most fuel-efficient aircraft to serve intra-Alaska.
The two 737-800 converted aircraft will come from Alaska Airlines' existing passenger fleet. The planes will be converted from their passenger configuration to an all-freight aircraft beginning this year. They’re projected to re-enter service as freighters in 2023.
“Alaskans have always relied on Alaska Air Cargo to provide time-sensitive services to their communities,”
said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president of Alaska Airlines.
“Whether it is vaccines, medicine, household supplies or fresh food, our freighters keep rural Alaska supplied and connected. With service to 20 communities across Alaska, and only three accessible by road, adding new aircraft to the current freighter fleet allows expansion of our vital services to all Alaskans. The additional freighter capacity also allows us to quickly move seafood and other commodities from Alaska to points throughout the U.S,”
he added.
According to the company's website, Alaska Air Cargo transports more than 200 million pounds of cargo annually – including seafood, mail, and freight – and operates the most extensive air cargo operation on the U.S. West Coast of any passenger airline.
According to the company's website, Alaska Air Cargo transports more than 200 million pounds of cargo annually – including seafood, mail, and freight – and operates the most extensive air cargo operation on the U.S. West Coast of any passenger airline.
