Alaska Airlines’ largest Boeing order includes SC-made Dreamliners

Boeing and Alaska Airlines kicked off the new year by announcing the carrier’s largest-ever airplane order as part of a long-term plan to expand its domestic and international route networks.

The order includes five South Carolina-made 787 widebody jets that will the airline says will expand its long-haul service to and from Europe and Asia.

The order also includes 105 737-10 airplanes and options for 35 more of the largest 737 MAX variant to serve high-density routes and renew its existing fleet, according to a news release.

“This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth, and is another building block in executing our Alaska Accelerate strategic plan,” Alaska Air Group CEO and President Ben Minicucci said in the news release. “These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe and ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft. We are incredibly proud to be partnering with Boeing, a Pacific Northwest neighbor and a company that stands as a symbol of American innovation and manufacturing.”

The fuel-efficient 737-10 will grow and replace Alaska Airlines’ single-aisle fleet to support the carrier’s modernization strategy and enable future network expansion, the carrier said. By introducing the 737-10, Alaska Airlines will comfortably serve more passengers on more routes with the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane, the news release stated.

The 787 Dreamliner order supports Alaska Airlines’ long-haul growth plans, enabling the airline to expand its international network with industry-leading fuel efficiency, range and passenger comfort. Boeing says the 787’s advanced aerodynamics, composite structure and modern cabin design make it well-suited for long-range international markets.

The company’s Dreamliner program is based at its North Charleston production site.

“This is a historic airplane order underwritten by Alaska Airlines’ record of strong performance and strategic expansion,” Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the release. “All of us at Boeing are proud of Alaska’s success and are honored they have placed their trust in our people and our 737 and 787 airplanes to help grow their airline.”

This order kicks off the 60^th year of the two companies’ partnership, which started when Boeing delivered a 727 to Alaska Airlines. The airline currently operates 248 737 airplanes and now has 174 737 MAX jets on order, the release stated.

The Seattle-based carrier has five 787 Dreamliners in service, and this purchase brings its order book to 12 of the widebody family as Alaska Airlines expands its global network to serve at least 12 international destinations in the next few years.

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