Seattle, July 29 - Alaska Airlines, a Seattle-based carrier with a long-standing relationship with Boeing, is anticipating the delivery of its first Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft in late 2026 or early 2027, a timeline adjusted due to ongoing certification challenges faced by Boeing. This development marks a significant step in the airline’s fleet modernization strategy, as it seeks to enhance operational efficiency and expand its network. The Boeing 737 MAX 10, the largest variant in the 737 MAX family, is expected to play a pivotal role in Alaska Airlines’ future operations, particularly for high-demand routes and long-haul flights from its Seattle hub. The carrier’s commitment to the MAX 10 underscores its confidence in Boeing’s ability to resolve technical hurdles and deliver a reliable, fuel-efficient aircraft.
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The 737 MAX 10, designed to carry up to 230 passengers, offers Alaska Airlines the flexibility to serve both medium- and long-range markets with improved economics and reduced environmental impact compared to older models. The aircraft’s advanced technology, including its CFM International LEAP-1B engines and enhanced aerodynamics, promises lower fuel consumption and operating costs, aligning with Alaska’s goal of maintaining one of the most efficient fleets among U.S. airlines. The airline has firm orders for 45 737 MAX 10s, with options for additional units, as part of a broader commitment to acquire 80 737 MAX aircraft by 2029. This order builds on Alaska’s 2022 agreement with Boeing, which included 52 MAX aircraft for delivery between 2024 and 2027, increasing its confirmed 737 MAX fleet to 146, with rights for 105 more through 2030. This strategic investment positions Alaska to replace aging aircraft and support sustainable growth.
Boeing’s certification delays for the 737 MAX 10 stem primarily from technical issues with the aircraft’s engine anti-ice system and a stall-management yaw damper system that does not meet updated Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. Boeing is seeking an exemption for the latter while prioritizing certification for the smaller 737 MAX 7, which is closer to completion. These challenges have pushed delivery timelines for several airlines, with Alaska initially expecting its first MAX 10 in 2025 before revising to 2026 or 2027. The delays, compounded by an eight-week machinists’ union strike in 2023 and heightened regulatory scrutiny following a 2024 incident involving a 737 MAX 9, have strained Boeing’s production schedule. Despite these setbacks, Alaska remains committed to its partnership with Boeing, emphasizing the MAX 10’s role alongside its incoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners as linchpins for future operations. Alaska Airlines’ fleet strategy also includes phasing out older models, such as the Boeing 737-900, with the last six expected to retire in 2025. The carrier has already transitioned to an all-Boeing mainline fleet, having phased out Airbus A319, A320, and A321neo aircraft by 2023 following its merger with Virgin America.
In 2025, Alaska anticipates receiving nine 737 MAX 8 and eight 737 MAX 9 aircraft, with three MAX 10s slated for 2026 and 17 more in 2027, pending certification. The airline’s regional subsidiary, Horizon Air, and partner SkyWest Airlines operate Embraer 175 jets, complementing the mainline fleet. Additionally, Alaska is investing $130 million to overhaul the cabins of its aging 737-800s by 2026, ensuring a consistent passenger experience across its Boeing fleet. The integration of Hawaiian Airlines, acquired by Alaska Air Group, further shapes its fleet plans. Hawaiian’s cargo operations for Amazon, using Airbus A330-300F freighters, and its 787-9 deliveries, now extended to 2029 due to Boeing’s delays, enhance the group’s network reach. Alaska’s focus on fleet modernization, coupled with its strategic orders for the 737 MAX 10, positions the airline to capitalize on growing demand while navigating the complexities of Boeing’s production challenges.