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.

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

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

• Boeing Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and STARLUX Airlines.

STARLUX Airlines Accepts Delivery of First Airbus A350-1000, Targets US Expansion

On January 6, 2026, Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines officially took delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s rapid expansion strategy. The aircraft, registered as B-58551, was ferried from the Airbus headquarters in Toulouse, France, to Taipei Taoyuan International Airport (TPE) under the command of the airline’s founder and chairman, Chang Kuo-wei.

This delivery represents the first of 18 firm orders for the A350-1000, the largest variant in the A350 family. According to the official announcement, STARLUX has become the 11th global operator of this aircraft type. The arrival of the A350-1000 is central to the airline’s plan to extend its network to the U.S. East Coast and major European destinations, capitalizing on the jet’s extended range and increased capacity.

Cabin Configuration and Technical Specifications

The newly delivered A350-1000 features a premium-heavy, four-class configuration designed to align with STARLUX’s “luxury” brand positioning. The aircraft accommodates a total of 350 passengers, offering a significant capacity increase over the airline’s existing A350-900 fleet.

According to details released regarding the interior, the cabin layout includes:

• First Class (4 seats): Located in the front row, these suites feature 60-inch high walls and 32-inch 4K screens.
• Business Class (40 seats): Equipped with privacy doors and lie-flat beds, utilizing “Zero G” technology.
• Premium Economy (36 seats): A dedicated cabin arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration.
• Economy Class (270 seats): Featuring 4K entertainment screens and Bluetooth audio connectivity.

The aircraft also incorporates electro-dimmable windows, a feature similar to those found on the Boeing 787, which reportedly block 99.99% of light and transition significantly faster than previous generations.

“The A350-1000 is currently the largest wide-body aircraft in our fleet… It will play a crucial role in expanding our North American and European network.”

, Glenn Chai, CEO of STARLUX Airlines (via press statement)

Operational Plans and Route Network

STARLUX has confirmed that the A350-1000 will enter commercial service almost immediately. The inaugural flight is scheduled for January 15, 2026, on the route between Taipei (TPE) and Phoenix (PHX). This route highlights the strategic utility of the A350-1000, which boasts a range of approximately 8,700 nautical miles (16,100 km).

The additional capacity, roughly 44 more seats per flight compared to the A350-900, is expected to lower the cost per seat, allowing STARLUX to compete more aggressively on long-haul sectors. Future network plans for the fleet include non-stop services to key cities on the U.S. East Coast and in Europe.

AirPro News Analysis

The delivery of the A350-1000 places STARLUX ahead of its local competitors in terms of fleet modernization cycles. By securing this delivery in early 2026, STARLUX has beaten legacy carriers EVA Air and China Airlines to the punch regarding this specific aircraft type. While EVA Air has 18 A350-1000s on order and China Airlines has ordered 15 to replace their Boeing 777-300ERs, their deliveries are pending.

From an operational standpoint, STARLUX’s decision to maintain an all-Airbus fleet (comprising A321neo, A330neo, A350-900, and A350-1000) offers distinct advantages in maintenance streamlining and pilot training commonality. This “clean sheet” approach contrasts with the mixed fleets of its older rivals, potentially offering STARLUX a leaner cost structure as it scales its long-haul operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the STARLUX A350-1000 begin flying?
The aircraft is scheduled to begin commercial operations on January 15, 2026, serving the Taipei to Phoenix route.

How many A350-1000s has STARLUX ordered?
The airline has placed firm orders for 18 A350-1000 aircraft.

Does the STARLUX A350-1000 have First Class?
Yes, the aircraft features a four-seat First Class cabin in the front row, offering enhanced privacy and larger screens compared to Business Class.

Sources:
Airbus Press Release,
STARLUX Airlines,
CNA (Central News Agency Taiwan)

This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.

Embraer Reports 91 Aircraft Delivered in Q4 2025, Meeting Full-Year Guidance

Embraer has officially released its delivery figures for the fourth quarter of 2025, reporting a strong finish to the fiscal year with 91 aircraft delivered across all segments. According to the company’s data released on January 6, 2026, this performance represents a 21% increase compared to the same period in 2024.

For the full fiscal year of 2025, the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer delivered a total of 244 aircraft, marking an 18% increase over the 206 units delivered in the previous year. The company confirmed that these figures allowed it to meet its 2025 guidance for both Commercial and Executive Aviation, notably hitting the upper end of its target range for executive jets.

Commercial Aviation Growth

In the Commercial Aviation segment, Embraer reported delivering 32 jets in the fourth quarter of 2025. This surge in deliveries contributed to a full-year total of 78 commercial jets, which falls squarely within the company’s guidance range of 77 to 85 aircraft.

The E2 program continues to be a primary driver for the manufacturer. Data from the report highlights the E195-E2 as a key model, with 15 units delivered in the fourth quarter alone. This volume suggests that the E2 family is solidifying its position in Embraer’s commercial mix as airlines move to modernize their fleets with more efficient aircraft.

Executive Aviation Hits High End of Guidance

Embraer’s Executive Aviation unit posted its strongest quarter of the year, delivering 53 jets in Q4 2025. This performance pushed the full-year total to 155 executive jets, reaching the very top of the company’s projected guidance range of 145 to 155 units.

The segment showed robust year-over-year growth of 35%. The Phenom 300 series remains a standout performer for the manufacturer. According to the delivery data:

The Phenom 300 series continues to be the segment leader, with 23 units delivered in Q4. It remains the world’s best-selling light jet for over a decade.

Defense Deliveries and Backlog Context

While lower in volume compared to civil aviation, Embraer’s Defense & Security segment delivered six aircraft in the fourth quarter. This included two KC-390 Millennium multi-mission transport aircraft and four A-29 Super Tucano light attack and training aircraft. For the full year, the defense segment delivered 11 aircraft.

Regarding future revenue visibility, Embraer highlighted a record backlog. As of the end of the third quarter of 2025, the company reported a firm order backlog valued at US$31.3 billion, the highest level in its history. Updated backlog figures for Q4 are expected to be finalized in the upcoming financial earnings report scheduled for March 6, 2026.

AirPro News Analysis

Supply Chain Resilience: The ability of Embraer to meet its guidance,specifically hitting the high end for executive jets,indicates that the manufacturer has effectively navigated the supply chain constraints that have challenged the broader aerospace sector throughout 2024 and 2025. While competitors have faced significant delays, Embraer’s delivery consistency suggests operational stability.

Market Positioning: The consistent delivery rate of the E195-E2 signals program maturity. We believe Embraer is successfully capitalizing on the sub-150 seat market gap. With the Airbus A220 facing backlog pressures and Boeing navigating its own challenges, Embraer’s ability to deliver aircraft on schedule strengthens its competitive advantage in regional and crossover jet markets.

Sources

• Embraer Investor Relations