Now an all-Boeing operator, Alaska is on track to begin service with Boeing’s smaller 737 MAX variant in Q1 of 2024. The Seattle-based carrier phased out its last remaining Airbus aircraft – relics of the 2016 Virgin America acquisition – on Sept. 30, 2023.
According to ch-aviation, the airline has ordered 146 total 737 MAX jets, holding an additional 105 purchase rights. Since taking delivery of its first 737 MAX in January 2021, Alaska has only operated the larger 737 MAX 9 variant. The carrier has 56 737 MAX 9s in service.
Alaska has 737 MAX deliveries planned through 2030, including ten 737 MAX 8s, 737 MAX 9s, and 48 737 MAX 10s. The airline expects to receive its first 737 MAX 8 by year-end, a company spokesperson confirmed.
The airline’s first 737 MAX 8 flight is slated for Feb. 15, 2024 from Los Angeles to Portland with two daily flights, according to Cirium schedule data. At the time of writing, there are no additional flights available in the schedule.
Nearly a year ago, Alaska made its largest-ever order. The October 2022 announcement added 52 737 MAX aircraft for delivery between 2024 and 2027.
The airline’s 737 MAX 8 will seat 159 passengers with 12 premium seats and 147 in economy, per Cirium equipment data. The type will seat 19 fewer passengers than the larger 737 MAX 9.
