Alaska Airlines Commits to 110 Boeing 737-10 and 787 Jets for Massive Expansion

January 9, 2026 at 06:30 PM•3 min read

Alaska Airlines secured its largest-ever fleet deal for 105 Boeing 737-10s and five 787 widebodies, signaling a major domestic and international route network expansion.

Key Points

1110 firm aircraft were ordered, including 105 Boeing 737-10s and five 787 widebody jets.
2The deal supports the "Alaska Accelerate" strategic plan, extending aircraft deliveries through 2035.
3The 787-10s will launch long-haul international routes to Europe and Asia from the Seattle gateway by 2030.
4The 737-10 faces ongoing FAA certification delays, which may impact the airline's near-term fleet expansion timeline.

Alaska Airlines announced the largest airplane order in its history on January 7, committing to 110 new jets from Boeing. The landmark deal includes 105 firm orders for the Boeing 737-10 aircraft, the largest variant of the 737 MAX family. The airline also secured five new 787 widebody jets, exercising all previously held options.

This massive Alaska Airlines fleet order also includes purchase rights for an additional 35 737-10s. The agreement secures critical delivery slots for the carrier, extending its aircraft delivery stream through 2035. The investment is a core component of the carrier's “Alaska Accelerate” fleet expansion strategy.

Driving International Growth

The addition of the widebody aircraft is the most significant element of the airline’s push into long-haul international destinations. The five new 787s are intended to be the high-capacity 787-10 variant. This model is highly favored for its fuel efficiency and lower operating costs on medium-to-long-haul routes.

Alaska Airlines plans to leverage the 787-10s to launch new routes to Europe and Asia from its Seattle gateway. The airline aims to serve at least 12 long-haul international destinations from Seattle by 2030. The first of the new 787s is expected to debut a new “global livery” for the carrier's intercontinental network.

Narrowbody Fleet Strategy

The bulk of the order, the 105 Boeing 737-10 aircraft, will support domestic network growth. These next-generation aircraft will also replace older 737s, helping to maintain a young and fuel-efficient mainline fleet. This order reinforces Alaska’s commitment to an all-Boeing mainline fleet, simplifying pilot training and reducing maintenance costs. The total number of firm 737-10 orders now makes Alaska one of the largest customers for the variant.

Certification and Delivery Challenges

While the order is a strong show of confidence in Boeing, the Boeing 737-10 still faces significant hurdles. The largest MAX variant awaits FAA type certification. Delays have been tied to regulatory scrutiny and the redesign of the engine anti-ice system. Some industry analysts expect deliveries to major customers may not begin until late 2026 or even 2027. This uncertainty presents a logistical challenge for Alaska Airlines as it plans its domestic and international route networks.

This major fleet acquisition positions Alaska Air Group to operate a fleet of over 550 aircraft by 2035. This growth is expected to cement the airline’s position as a formidable competitor in the evolving global aviation landscape. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.