16 August, 2021

Alaska Airlines secures bigger discount from Boeing and confirms order for 12 more 737 MAX 9s

Options exercised for deliveries in 2023 and 2024 further enhance the airline's financial and sustainability outlook


Alaska Airlines confirmed today that it is accelerating its fleet growth by exercising options early on 12 Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft after securing a larger discount from the plane manufacturer. The option aircraft are now firm commitments for 2023 and 2024. 

Alaska announced a restructured agreement with Boeing in December 2020 to acquire 68 737 MAX 9 aircraft between 2021 to 2024, with options for another 52 deliveries between 2023 and 2026. This year, the airline has exercised 25 of the options, including 13 planes in May. As part of this transaction, Alaska will add 25 options to backfill the ones that have been exercised.

"We are excited to accelerate Alaska's growth, building on our solid financial foundation that enabled us to weather the pandemic," said Nat Pieper, Alaska Airlines senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances. "These aircraft are a prudent, long-term investment in our business that we can make while simultaneously maintaining our strong balance sheet."

Deliveries

2021

2022

2023

2024

TOTAL

Original Firm Order

12

31

13

12

68

May Option Exercise

-

-

9

4

13

August Option Exercise

-

-

10

2

12

TOTAL

12

31

32

18

93



"Boeing continues to be a terrific partner for Alaska. We began flying our first 737 MAX 9s this past spring, and we're extremely pleased with the operational, financial and environmental performance of the aircraft," said Pieper. "The planes are exceeding our expectations – from how quiet the engines run to the greater range they provide – and our guests love them."

These jets are configured to carry 178 people with 16 First Class seats and 24 Premium Class seats, which provide the most premium legroom of any other U.S. airline. 





Specifications

  • Crew: 2 Pilots, 4 Flight Attendants
  • First Class: 16
  • Range: 3,250 nm
  • Premium Class: 24
  • Length: 138 ft, 2 in (42.1 m)
  • Coach: 138
  • Typical Cruise Speed: 530 mph (853 km/h)
  • Wingspan: (with winglets) 117 ft, 10 in (35.9 m)
  • Max. Cruising Altitude: 41,000 ft (12,497 m)
  • Featured amenities: 110v power in seatUSB power in seat














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