Alaska Airlines places largest-ever Boeing 737 Max 10 order, signaling major fleet shift.
Key Points
- 1Alaska Airlines placed its largest-ever order for 105 Boeing 737 Max 10s and five 787-10 Dreamliners on January 7, 2026.
- 2The 787 acquisition will expand Alaska's long-haul international network from Seattle, aiming for at least 12 destinations by 2030.
- 3American Airlines unveiled a centennial livery on a Boeing 737, marking 100 years of operations since its 1926 founding.
- 4Cathay Pacific celebrated its 80th anniversary by applying the classic "lettuce leaf sandwich" retro livery to an Airbus A350-900.
The commercial aviation sector saw significant fleet and branding news this week. Major carriers announced historic aircraft orders and unveiled special liveries. These moves highlight airline growth strategies and industry milestones. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.
Alaska Airlines Commits to Major Boeing Fleet Expansion
Alaska Airlines placed its largest aircraft order in company history. The deal includes 105 firm orders for the Boeing 737 Max 10. It also adds five new 787-10 Dreamliners to the fleet. This massive purchase extends the airline's delivery stream through 2035. The order supports Alaska's plan for steady, scalable growth.
Strategic Fleet Details
The 737 Max 10 will become the carrier's largest single-aisle jet. It will be used for network expansion and to replace older 737NG models. The Max 10 is currently awaiting FAA certification. This certification is expected later in 2026. The five additional 787 Dreamliners will grow the future widebody fleet to 17 aircraft. This enables Alaska to expand long-haul service to Europe and Asia. The airline aims to serve at least 12 international destinations from Seattle by 2030.
American and Cathay Pacific Celebrate Anniversaries
Two global airlines marked significant anniversaries with special aircraft paint schemes. These liveries honor the carriers' long histories in commercial flight.
American Airlines' Centennial Livery
American Airlines unveiled a new livery to celebrate 100 years of operations. The airline's founding dates back to April 1926. The special design is on a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. It features silver rings and the number "100" in the logo. The design uses infinity symbols to represent the airline's future. Centennial decals will be applied across American's entire fleet of over 1,500 aircraft.
Cathay Pacific's Retro Revival
Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The carrier unveiled an iconic retro livery on an Airbus A350-900. This classic scheme is known as the "lettuce leaf sandwich" design. It features the distinctive green-and-white stripe motif. The livery was used on Cathay aircraft from 1971 to 1994. A second retro livery will appear on a Boeing 747 freighter later this month. The celebration includes 1,000 to 2,000 cabin crew wearing vintage uniforms throughout 2026.
Industry Impact and Outlook
These announcements signal strong confidence in future air travel demand. Alaska's order secures key delivery slots for the high-capacity 737 Max 10. This aircraft is critical for domestic growth. The addition of 787s directly challenges larger network carriers. It solidifies Alaska's position as a growing global airline. Meanwhile, the anniversary liveries serve a key marketing purpose. They build brand loyalty and celebrate aviation heritage. This focus on history and future fleet investment defines the current market. It shows airlines are preparing for long-term growth and competition. The successful certification of the 737 Max 10 remains a critical regulatory milestone for Boeing and its customers.
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