The airline aims to enhance Alaska's ability to meet specific market requirements with optimal aircraft size and capability with these additional 737 models.
"We're excited to add these new 737 models to our fleet and continue our upgauging strategy, which maximizes our revenue opportunity with more seats while reducing unit costs," said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines.
"This announcement is a further step in our drive toward a single fleet featuring Boeing aircraft and CFM engines – we are very appreciative of their partnerships."
Prior to today's announcement, Alaska's contractual 737 order featured 145 firm orders and options for 737-9 aircraft for delivery between 2021-2026. There are currently 14 737-9s in Alaska's fleet. Of the remaining 131 aircraft, 79 are firm orders and 52 are options.
Alaska now targets a mix of 70 737-9s, 60 737-10s, and 15 737-8s for the 145 planes.
The airline expects to take delivery of its first longer-range 737-8 jet in the second half of 2023 and the first 737-10s in early 2024.
