Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Alaska Airlines Orders 110 Boeing Jets in Largest Deal Ever
Alaska Airlines commits to 110 Boeing jets including 737-10 MAX and 787-10 Dreamliners to expand fleet and international routes through 2035.
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and includes additional industry data and analysis.
Alaska Airlines Commits to Largest Orders in History with 110 Boeing Jets
On January 7, 2026, Alaska Airlines and Boeing announced a historic agreement that solidifies the carrier’s long-term fleet strategy. In the largest single airplane order in its history, Alaska Airlines has placed a firm order for 110 aircraft, significantly expanding its commitment to the Boeing 737 MAX family while introducing the 787 Dreamliner to its mainline operations.
According to the official press release, the deal includes 105 Boeing 737-10 MAX jets and five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. Additionally, the airline has secured purchase rights for another 35 Boeing 737-10 aircraft. This massive acquisition brings Alaska’s total unfilled orders with the manufacturer to 245 airplanes, with deliveries scheduled to extend through 2035.
The move marks a pivotal moment for the Seattle-based carrier as it aggressively pivots toward international expansion and aims to streamline its fleet operations following years of complexity.
Breaking Down the Deal
The order is heavily weighted toward the largest variant of Boeing’s single-aisle family, the 737-10. By locking in 105 of these jets, Alaska is betting on high-density domestic efficiency. However, the inclusion of five 787-10 Dreamliners represents a significant strategic shift, providing the airline with widebody capabilities to launch long-haul international routes directly from its Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) hub.
While the exact transaction price remains confidential, industry data estimates the deal has a list price value of approximately $15.9 billion based on 2025 pricing structures. Airlines typically negotiate significant discounts off these list prices, often in the range of 40% to 60%.
Executive Commentary
Leadership from both companies emphasized the long-standing partnership and the strategic necessity of the order. Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, highlighted the growth potential enabled by the new airframes.
“This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth… These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe.”
Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noted the significance of Alaska’s continued reliance on Boeing products.
“This is a historic airplane order underwritten by Alaska Airlines’ record of strong performance… We are honored they have placed their trust in our people and our 737 and 787 airplanes.”
Strategic Context: The “Proudly All-Boeing” Pivot
This order arrives at a complex time for Alaska’s fleet composition. Following the acquisition of Virgin America in 2016, Alaska spent years phasing out Airbus aircraft to return to a “Proudly All-Boeing” strategy, a process largely completed by January 2024. However, the subsequent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines reintroduced a mixed fleet, including Airbus A330s and A321neos.
By ordering the 787-10 Dreamliner, Alaska signals a long-term intention to streamline its widebody operations under the Boeing banner. The airline has confirmed plans to utilize these widebody jets for new routes to Europe and Asia, specifically targeting major markets such as London, Rome, and Tokyo. This allows Alaska to fly its own “metal” to these destinations rather than relying exclusively on Oneworld alliance partners.
AirPro News Analysis: The Battle for Seattle
This order is not merely a fleet replacement exercise; it is a strategic escalation in the competition for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. By acquiring long-range widebodies, Alaska is directly challenging Delta Air Lines, which has historically dominated international routes out of Sea-Tac.
Delta has already responded to the heightened competition by announcing new routes from Seattle to Rome and Barcelona, alongside upgrades to its premium lounge facilities. Alaska’s move to operate the 787-10 suggests it is no longer content to be a domestic feeder for international partners but intends to capture high-yield international traffic itself.
Risks and Market Reaction
Despite the optimism surrounding the announcement, significant hurdles remain. A critical factor is the certification status of the Boeing 737-10. As of early 2026, the FAA has not yet certified this variant. Alaska is placing a substantial bet on an aircraft that cannot yet carry passengers, with certification expected sometime later in 2026. Any regulatory delays could impact the delivery timeline.
Financial markets reacted with mixed sentiment on the day of the announcement. Boeing (BA) shares rose approximately 1.2%, reflecting investor confidence in the manufacturer’s backlog. Conversely, Alaska Air Group (ALK) shares closed down roughly 2.4%, a common “sell the news” reaction where investors weigh the long-term benefits against the immediate capital expenditure required for such a massive commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the new aircraft be delivered?
Deliveries for the 110 firm orders are scheduled to begin soon and extend through 2035.
What routes will the new 787 Dreamliners fly?
Alaska Airlines plans to use the 787-10s for long-haul international flights from Seattle to destinations including London, Rome, and Tokyo.
Is the Boeing 737-10 currently flying?
No. As of the announcement in January 2026, the 737-10 has not yet received final FAA certification.
Sources
Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
CDB Aviation Signs 787-9 Sale Leaseback with Lufthansa
CDB Aviation completes its first direct lease with Lufthansa Airlines, covering two Boeing 787-9s with Allegris cabins.
CDB Aviation has executed a sale and leaseback agreement with Lufthansa Airlines for two Boeing 787-9 aircraft, marking the Irish lessor’s first direct leasing transaction with the German flag carrier.
Announced in a company press release on July 1, 2026, the transaction involves widebody aircraft delivered to Lufthansa in late 2025 and early 2026. The deal expands CDB Aviation, a wholly owned subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., into a direct relationship with a top-tier European credit while adding new-technology assets to its portfolio.
Transaction details and delivery timeline
The two Boeing 787-9s involved in the agreement feature Lufthansa’s new Allegris cabin configuration. The lessor is acquiring the aircraft specifically from Lufthansa Asset Management Leasing GmbH, the airline’s dedicated asset management entity.
The leaseback arrangement, structured under operating leases, is expected to close by mid-July 2026. This timeline aligns with CDB Aviation’s broader strategy to grow its aviation leasing assets under Hong Kong listing rules, securing long-term placements for highly liquid aircraft types.
Expanding the Lufthansa Group relationship
While this agreement represents the first direct aircraft lease between CDB Aviation and Lufthansa Airlines, the lessor has an established history with the broader corporate group. CDB Aviation previously executed aircraft sales to Lufthansa Group sister carriers Austrian Airlines and Eurowings, and has also conducted business with Lufthansa’s engine leasing division.
Gavan Daly, Head of Commercial for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at CDB Aviation, highlighted the strategic value of formalizing a direct lease with the mainline carrier.
“This sale and leaseback agreement with Lufthansa represents a key transaction for CDB Aviation, as we continue to grow the portfolio with top-tier credits and new technology, liquid assets.”
AirPro News analysis
We view this transaction as a standard but strategic portfolio enhancement for CDB Aviation, aligning with the broader industry trend of lessors targeting highly liquid, new-generation widebody aircraft. Securing a direct lease with Lufthansa Airlines diversifies the lessor’s European footprint while providing the airline with capital flexibility following its recent fleet modernization investments. The Boeing 787-9 remains a highly sought-after asset in the secondary market, minimizing residual value risk for the lessor over the life of the operating lease.
Sources: CDB Aviation
Photo Credit: Lufthansa Group
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
BOC Aviation Signs A350-1000 Leaseback Deal With Qatar Airways
BOC Aviation finalizes a purchase and leaseback of three Airbus A350-1000s with Qatar Airways, its first financing of the type for the carrier.
BOC Aviation Limited has finalized a purchase and leaseback agreement with Qatar Airways for three Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, marking the lessor’s first financing of the widebody type for the Doha-based carrier.
Announced in a press release on June 30, 2026, the transaction involves aircraft that were originally delivered to the airline in late 2025. The long-term operating leases expand BOC Aviation’s widebody portfolio while providing liquidity to Qatar Airways as the airline continues its network restoration efforts.
Transaction details and fleet integration
The three Airbus A350-1000 aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. According to a regulatory filing with the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEx), the formal agreement was executed on June 29, 2026.
BOC Aviation Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Steven Townend highlighted the strategic nature of the deal.
“We deliberately strengthened our liquidity position earlier this year with transactions of this quality in mind and we are delighted to deploy that capacity in support of one of our largest and most valued customers,” Townend stated.
The lessor noted that this agreement builds on a long-standing partnership with Qatar Airways. As of March 31, 2026, BOC Aviation reported a portfolio of 813 owned, managed, and on-order aircraft and engines, leased to 88 airlines globally.
Qatar Airways operational context
The leaseback arrangement follows a period of executive restructuring and operational recovery for Qatar Airways. On June 18, 2026, the airline reported that its network had been restored to 85 percent of pre-crisis levels.
The carrier, which operates an active fleet of approximately 230 aircraft, also recently created two new executive roles to focus on operations and customer experience. According to reporting by Aviation Week, this follows a sudden leadership transition in December 2025, when Hamad Ali Al-Khater was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
AirPro News analysis
We view this purchase and leaseback agreement as a standard capital management maneuver for Qatar Airways, allowing the carrier to free up balance sheet liquidity tied up in its late-2025 widebody deliveries. For BOC Aviation, securing three high-value Airbus A350-1000 assets on long-term leases with a premium Gulf carrier aligns with the lessor’s stated strategy of deploying its strengthened capital reserves into low-risk, high-yield widebody assets. The transaction underscores the ongoing reliance of major network carriers on the sale-and-leaseback market to optimize capital structures during periods of network expansion.
Sources: BOC Aviation
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
Air Peace Takes Delivery of First Embraer E175 in 2026
Air Peace received its first Embraer E175 on June 30, 2026, targeting unserved intra-African routes identified in Embraer’s 2026 connectivity report.
Nigerian carrier Air Peace took delivery of its first factory-new Embraer E175 on June 30, 2026, marking a strategic fleet expansion aimed at capturing underserved regional routes across West and Central Africa.
The handover, announced in a press release by Embraer from its São José dos Campos facility in Brazil, introduces the regional jet to an existing fleet that includes the larger Embraer E195-E2, the smaller ERJ145, and Boeing 777 widebodies. The delivery aligns with a documented gap in intra-African connectivity, which the manufacturer notes has widened over the past year.
Fleet optimization and order adjustments
The arrival of the E175 follows a series of strategic adjustments to the airline’s order book. According to ch-aviation, Air Peace originally placed a firm order for five E175 aircraft on September 14, 2023. The airline subsequently modified its capacity requirements on July 29, 2025, converting three of those airframes to the larger E195-E2 model while retaining two E175s on firm backlog.
The addition of the E175 provides the carrier with a right-sized asset for thinner routes. Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, stated in the Embraer release that the aircraft will increase operational flexibility and market reach as the airline strengthens its leadership position in the region.
Addressing the intra-African connectivity gap
The deployment of the E175 targets specific network expansion goals. Aviation Week reported that the airline intends to use the new aircraft to boost frequencies on established domestic sectors and introduce flights to four new destinations across the continent.
This expansion strategy corresponds with data from Embraer’s African Connectivity Report 2026. The manufacturer identified 55 intra-African city pairs currently lacking direct air services, representing an increase from 45 unserved pairs in 2025.
“This delivery highlights the continued demand for right-sized aircraft, with airlines seeking to expand connectivity while maintaining high levels of efficiency and service,” said Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation.
AirPro News analysis
We view the integration of the E175 into the Air Peace fleet as a pragmatic approach to the unique challenges of the West African aviation market. By operating a mixed fleet of ERJ145s, E175s, and E195-E2s, the airline can closely match capacity to fluctuating demand on regional sectors without incurring the higher trip costs of larger narrowbody aircraft. The 2025 decision to upgauge three E175 orders to E195-E2s suggests the carrier is experiencing robust growth on trunk routes, while the retention of the E175s ensures it maintains the capability to pioneer new, thinner city pairs across the continent.
Sources: Embraer
Photo Credit: Embraer
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