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.

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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.”

, Ben Minicucci, CEO, Alaska Air Group

Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, noted the significance of Alaska’s continued reliance on Boeing products.

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“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.”

, Stephanie Pope, CEO, Boeing Commercial 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.

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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.

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Photo Credit: Alaska Airlines

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