Alaska Airlines has expanded its fleet of fuel-efficient Boeing aircraft by ordering six additional Boeing 737-900 Extended Range (ER) jets. The new aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2016 and 2017, increasing Alaska’s backlog of locally manufactured Boeing jets to 79.
Based in Seattle, Alaska Airlines is steadily modernizing its fleet with Boeing’s latest and most efficient 737 variants. The airline plans to retire its remaining 737-400s and replace them with 737-900ERs, which can carry about 25% more passengers while using the same amount of fuel—improving capacity and reducing fuel burn per seat.
“Alaska’s confidence in the 737-900ER is something that everyone at Boeing takes great pride in,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “As hometown partners, Alaska and Boeing share a vision of putting the most innovative and fuel-efficient airplanes into service. The 737-900ER exemplifies that vision.”
By investing in newer, longer-range 737 models, Alaska Airlines aims to strengthen its operational efficiency and environmental performance. The 737-900ER offers airlines increased range and payload flexibility, enabling more non-stop route options and improved economics on higher-density markets. For passengers, the transition brings more modern cabins and potentially expanded nonstop destinations.
The continued partnership between Alaska and Boeing underscores a broader industry trend toward newer narrowbody aircraft that deliver better fuel efficiency and lower emissions per seat. Replacing aging aircraft with extended-range models helps carriers optimize route networks while managing fuel costs and meeting growing environmental expectations.
With the six additional 737-900ERs added to its order book, Alaska Airlines will be better positioned to support fleet growth, replace older equipment, and offer enhanced service across its route network as the deliveries arrive in 2016 and 2017.