Alaska Airlines Places Largest Ever Order with Boeing for Over 100 Jets

• The order includes 105 Max 10 jets (not yet FAA-certified, expected 2027 deliveries) and 5 Dreamliners, with 53 new aircraft and 52 from exercised options, plus 35 additional options
• Alaska expects FAA certification of the Max 10 in 2025, with about half the planes designated for fleet replacement and half for growth expansion
• The purchase follows the January 5, 2024 door plug blowout incident on an Alaska Max 9, which occurred because Boeing delivered the aircraft without key bolts installed

Summary

Key Transaction Details:

Alaska Airlines announced its largest-ever aircraft order with Boeing, purchasing 105 Boeing 737 Max 10 jets and 5 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. Of the 737 Max 10 orders, 53 are new purchases and 52 are exercised options, with an additional 35 options included. The order secures delivery slots through the mid-2030s, with initial deliveries expected to begin in 2027.

Companies and Context:

This marks Alaska's first major Boeing order since the January 5, 2024 door plug blowout incident on a 737 Max 9 operated by the carrier. The accident occurred during climb-out from Portland, Oregon, causing no serious injuries but triggering another safety crisis for Boeing. Alaska completed its merger with Hawaiian Airlines in 2024 and had previously ordered over 40 Max 10 aircraft.

Market Implications:

The purchase represents a significant vote of confidence in Boeing's recovery efforts under CEO Kelly Ortberg, who assumed leadership months after the door plug incident. Alaska's fleet chief Shane Jones cited trust in Boeing's manufacturing improvements and quality control enhancements. Approximately half the order is for fleet replacement, with the remainder supporting growth and international expansion plans.

Key Challenges:

The 737 Max 10 remains uncertified by the FAA and is years behind schedule. Alaska expects certification in 2025. Boeing faces production constraints requiring FAA approval for increases, maintaining a backlog exceeding 6,000 aircraft. The Max 10 offers higher passenger capacity than smaller variants, improving unit economics on high-demand routes despite shorter range. Financial terms were not disclosed.