In a definitive move to cement its status as a global competitor, Alaska Airlines announced on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the largest aircraft purchase in its 94-year history. The landmark agreement with its neighbor, Boeing, involves a firm commitment for 110 aircraft, signaling a massive expansion into long-haul international markets while modernizing its domestic backbone.
The order is headlined by 105 Boeing 737-10 jets—the largest and most efficient variant of the MAX family—and five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. This deal secures critical delivery slots through 2035 and provides Alaska with the optionality for an additional 35 narrow-body aircraft.
The “Alaska Accelerate” Strategy
The acquisition is the engine behind the carrier’s “Alaska Accelerate” strategic plan. Following its 2024 merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska is aggressively pivoting from a regional powerhouse to the fifth-largest domestic carrier with a bona fide global footprint.
- Domestic Dominance: The 737-10 will offer the lowest cost-per-seat of any single-aisle aircraft in Alaska’s fleet, allowing it to optimize high-density routes from hubs like Seattle and Portland.
- Global Ambitions: The 787-10 Dreamliners will serve as the flagship for a rapidly expanding long-haul network. Alaska aims to serve at least 12 international destinations from Seattle by 2030, with new routes to London, Rome, and Reykjavik set to launch in mid-2026.
- Fleet Modernization: The new jets will replace aging 737NG models, maintaining one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in North America.
| Aircraft Model | Count (Firm) | Primary Role |
| 737-10 MAX | 105 | High-density domestic & North American routes. |
| 787-10 Dreamliner | 5 | Flagship long-haul service to Europe and Asia. |
| Purchase Options | 35 | Flexible growth capacity for the 737-10 variant. |
A Vote of Confidence for Boeing
The timing of the order is a significant win for Boeing, which has spent the last two years under intense regulatory and public scrutiny following the 2024 “door plug” incident on an Alaska MAX 9. By doubling down on its partnership—now in its 60th year—Alaska is providing a critical endorsement of Boeing’s manufacturing and safety recovery efforts.
“This investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable, and sustained growth,” stated Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group. “These planes will ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most state-of-the-art aircraft in the sky.”
The “Aurora” Global Livery
Coinciding with the deal, Alaska unveiled its new Global Livery on a 787-9 Dreamliner at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The design features a palette of midnight blues and emerald greens inspired by the Aurora Borealis, marking a visual shift for the airline as it begins daily year-round flights to London Heathrow on May 21, 2026.
