24 November, 2020

Alaska Airlines banking on the 737 Max 9 aircraft - leasing 13 more

Alaska Airlines has decided to go all out on the Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, the carrier will sell off 10 Airbus A320s to Air Lease Corporation, and subsequently lease 13 new Boeing 737-9 MAX aircraft from them. 

The 13 737-9 MAX aircraft will be delivered from fourth quarter 2021 through 2022. Alaska will lease the A320s back from Air Lease for a short period of time after the transaction closes.

"Alaska's relationship with Steve dates back to the early 1980s and we're thrilled to work with him and ALC on an agreement that will enhance our fleet and advance our environmental, operational and financial performance," said Brad Tilden, Alaska Air Group chairman and CEO. "We found an opportunity to sell 10 planes that are not in our long-term plans and replace them with 13 of the most efficient narrow-body aircraft available."

"We are honored and pleased to renew our long association and partnership with our friends at Alaska Airlines," said Steven F. Udvar-Házy, executive chairman of Air Lease Corporation. "These leased Boeing 737-9 aircraft from ALC will fill an important role on Alaska's diverse route network, bringing the most technologically advanced and environmentally attractive aircraft type into Alaska's fleet, just in time as we expect the airline industry will undergo a sustainable recovery starting in 2021."

The MAX aircraft are 20 percent more fuel efficient and generate 20 percent less carbon emissions per seat than the A320s they will replace. The aircraft is also able to fly 600 miles farther than Alaska's current A320, which opens the possibility of additional nonstop routes and new destinations.

Alaska has no current plans to allow passengers booked on MAX flights a free change or cancellation who don't want to fly on the jets which have been grounded for nearly two years following two fatal crashes. The American manufacturer claims to have solved all the issues regarding the airworthiness of the aircraft, the FAA has agreed, however, it has been reported that some mechanics charged with getting aircraft ready to fly again have found unusual and unexpected issues with certain parts not working, and delaying the massive make ready programme. 
After permanently parking all A319s and some A320s earlier this summer, this deal leaves Alaska Airlines with 39 A320s in the operating fleet along with 10 A321neos.



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