Boeing announced a 52-aircraft order from Alaska Airlines as it exercises options for 42 new 737 MAX 10 jets and 10 737 MAX 9 jets. The book value of those aircraft would be almost $7 billion, though neither Boeing nor Alaska Airlines has commented on the cost.
Delivery dates for the new aircraft also were not reported.
The customer explained that it in addition to the new aircraft it gained options for 105 more 737 MAX jets through 2030, an agreement that “represents the largest commitment for future aircraft in the airline’s history.”
"This investment secures aircraft to optimize our growth through the next decade, which we know will be a formidable competitive advantage," stated Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci.
Alaska Airlines placed its initial order for Boeing’s twin-engine narrow-body aircraft in 2012 and currently operates 35 737 MAX-9. According to Boeing’s announcement, Alaska Airlines has more than 100 737 MAX on order, and it expects to operate “an all-Boeing mainline fleet” by the end of 2023.
"As Alaska Airlines sustainably grows its fleet, the 737 MAX family offers environmental performance and flexibility to expand service across its route network," stated Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal.
The 737 MAX 9 seats 193-220 passengers, though Alaska configures its MAX 9s for 178 passengers.
The longer-range 737 MAX 10 has not yet been introduced commercially, but it is expected to seat 204 passengers.
