The first Boeing 737 MAX 8 destined for Alaska Airlines has completed initial production. The aircraft is scheduled for delivery in the first quarter of 2024.
This is not the first 737 MAX that Alaska will fly. The airline already flies the 737 MAX 9, and it also has plans to take delivery of the 737 MAX 10, which is still undergoing testing. Alaska has pending orders for over 80 737 MAX aircraft across the -8, -9, and -10 variants.
Further, Alaska flies 737 NG aircraft, including 14 737-700s, 60 737-800s, 12 737-900s, and 72 737-900ERs in addition to 62 737 MAX 9s. The company also flew the Airbus A320 family until earlier this fall.
Routes for the New Jet
Alaska already has flights planned on its 737 MAX 8, most notably from Los Angeles to Portland in mid-February. Other cities to receive the type will be Seattle, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Orange County, Santa Barbara, Austin, Burbank, Palm Springs, San Diego, Anchorage, and New York, according to Cirium Diio data.
Alaska will seat 159 passengers on its MAX 8, including 12 premium seats and 147 economy seats. This is 19 seats fewer than the company’s 737 MAX 9 seats.
Alaska has lately been anxious to accept its new 737 MAX airplanes, which are more efficient than the older 737 NGs they can replace. Last fall, the airline exercised options to purchase an additional 52 737 MAX aircraft between 2024 and 2027, securing rights for 105 airplanes through 2030.
