SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines and Boeing announced today the
carrier is exercising options to purchase five Boeing 737-900ER (extended
range) aircraft. The five new aircraft are worth $481 million at Boeing's
current list price. Two of the aircraft will arrive in 2015 followed by two
more in 2016 and one in 2017.
"Today's announcement supports our goal of growing Alaska Airlines 4 to 8
percent a year, profits permitting," said Mark Eliasen, Alaska Air Group's vice
president of finance and treasurer. "The 737-900ER is a great aircraft, with
the comfort, reliability and low operating costs needed for us to be successful
in today's competitive marketplace."
Today's order supplements the 31 aircraft on firm order for delivery by the end
of 2017. Alaska Airlines expects to have 134 Boeing 737s in its fleet by the
end of 2014.
"The order of five additional 737-900ERs is an affirmation of our hometown
partner's successful strategy of offering customers good value, delivering a
great onboard experience and running an on-time airline," said Brad McMullen,
vice president of sales North America, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The
737-900ER offers Alaska Airlines the best seat-mile cost of any single-aisle
airplane in production, which is especially important with today's high fuel
prices. The interior also complements Alaska's excellent customer service,
providing passengers with a wonderful flying experience."
Alaska Airlines press release