Alaska Airlines backs Boeing with 110 jet deal amid fleet growth
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Alaska Airlines is making a major move to expand its fleet and international footprint. The Seattle-based carrier has signed a deal to purchase 110 Boeing jets in a clear sign of long-term confidence in both Boeing and the future of US aviation manufacturing.
The order includes 105 Boeing 737-10 narrowbody jets and five 787-10 widebody aircraft. Alaska said the move aligns with its long-term growth strategy, helping to modernize its fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft while expanding global reach.
“We are creating the fourth global airline in our country to compete against the big three,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci during the announcement, which was attended by US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy. “This investment sets us up for long-term, sustainable growth.”
Deliveries will begin in early 2027 and continue through 2035. Alaska also holds options to purchase 35 additional 737-10 aircraft during that period, giving the airline added flexibility as demand and market conditions evolve.
Fuel efficiency and flexibility in the skies
At the core of the deal is the 737-10, the largest member of Boeing’s MAX series. This aircraft is expected to serve as the backbone of Alaska’s future fleet. The model offers improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions, part of the airline’s efforts to reduce operational costs and meet sustainability targets.
Alaska currently operates Boeing 737-8 and 737-9 aircraft. The new order will allow the airline to replace older 737 models while expanding its capacity to meet passenger demand. Company officials noted the flexibility to adjust aircraft models over time based on regulatory developments or operational needs.
The 737-10 is still awaiting certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg acknowledged the pressure to deliver. “You’re doubling down, putting your eggs in our basket, and we need to perform and deliver high-quality, safe airplanes to you on time,” Ortberg said.
For Boeing, the deal is a critical endorsement as it works to recover from several safety-related setbacks in recent years.
Growing global reach from Seattle
The order also includes five 787-10 aircraft, expanding Alaska’s widebody fleet to 17 jets. This positions the airline to pursue more long-haul international routes, primarily from its Seattle hub. Alaska already operates five 787s and plans to launch new services to Rome and London in 2026.
“We’re flying two routes into Asia today out of Seattle, and we’ve already announced two into Europe,” said Shane Tackett, Alaska’s CFO. “Our goal is by 2030 to have 10 or 12 routes out of Seattle internationally.”
The 787-10 is Boeing’s largest Dreamliner and is well-suited for transpacific and transatlantic travel. Its extended range and passenger capacity make it ideal for Alaska’s push into global markets, including Europe and Asia.
To mark the milestone, Alaska unveiled a new global livery, inspired by the aurora borealis, that will debut on its first new 787. The existing branding, featuring the Native elder on the tail, will remain on other aircraft.
Trust in Boeing and American manufacturing
The announcement is notable not only for its size, but also for what it represents: a renewed show of trust in Boeing by a major US airline. In 2024, Alaska was directly impacted by a safety incident involving a door plug panel that detached mid-flight. No fatalities occurred, but the event led to renewed scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing and quality controls.
Despite the incident, Alaska officials say Boeing has made progress. “We’ve been really pleased with their progress over the last 18 months to two years,” Tackett said. “We think they are producing really high-quality, safe aircraft.”
US officials also used the moment to highlight the role of domestic aerospace in economic recovery and innovation. “American manufacturing is back,” said Secretary Duffy at the announcement event. “We want competitive airlines, and the more competition we have with newer, nicer aircraft from companies like Alaska, the better served the consumer will be.”
The deal positions Alaska Airlines to compete more directly with major US carriers while supporting domestic jobs and reinforcing confidence in Boeing at a critical time for the aerospace industry.
Sources