On January 7, 2026, the aviation industry witnessed a significant milestone as Alaska Airlines announced the largest aircraft order in its history, committing to purchase 105 Boeing 737-10 jets and five Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The landmark deal, reported by both Investing.com and Benzinga, not only marks a major expansion for the Seattle-based carrier but also reinforces its decades-long partnership with aerospace giant Boeing.
The order, which includes options for 35 additional 737-10 aircraft, extends Alaska Airlines’ delivery stream through 2035. This move brings Alaska’s total Boeing orderbook to a staggering 245 aircraft, adding to the 94 MAX jets already in its fleet. The deal also signals a strategic push to modernize Alaska’s operations, with a clear focus on fleet efficiency, passenger comfort, and global reach.
For Boeing, the news provided a welcome boost. The company’s stock rose 1.4% on the day of the announcement, according to Investing.com, while Benzinga noted a 0.30% gain to $230.52 per share at the time of publication. Alaska Air Group shares, meanwhile, saw a more modest reaction, with a 2% gain following the announcement but closing down 1.17% by day’s end. The order comes at a time when Alaska Air Group’s stock has faced headwinds, having lost over 22% in the past year, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Alaska Airlines’ investment is part of its broader Alaska Accelerate strategy, aimed at supporting steady, scalable, and sustained growth. "This fleet investment builds on the strong foundation Alaska has created to support steady, scalable and sustained growth," said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci in the company’s official statement. Minicucci emphasized that the new aircraft would help the airline reach more destinations worldwide, highlighting the importance of having newer, more fuel-efficient planes for customers.
The 737-10, the largest variant of Boeing’s popular 737 MAX family, is set to be deployed on high-demand U.S. routes. Alaska plans to use these jets to replace older narrowbody aircraft, improving overall efficiency and reducing costs. According to management, the 737-10 is expected to deliver a lower cost per seat, helping Alaska maintain one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets among premium global airlines. This focus on efficiency is crucial as the airline looks to balance growth with sustainability and operational excellence.
The five additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners, meanwhile, are central to Alaska’s international ambitions. The widebody jets will enable the carrier to serve at least 12 long-haul international destinations from its Seattle hub by 2030. Alaska has already announced several new routes from Seattle, including London, Rome, Reykjavik, Tokyo, and Seoul. The 787s offer several advantages, including extended range, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced passenger comfort—factors that are increasingly important as airlines compete for international travelers.
"The five additional 787 widebody aircraft will support Alaska’s strategic expansion plans, enabling the airline to serve at least 12 long-haul international destinations from Seattle by 2030," Investing.com reported. With five Dreamliners already in operation, the new order brings Alaska’s firm future 787 widebody fleet to 17 aircraft by 2030. This expansion aligns with the airline’s plan to grow its total fleet from the current 413 aircraft to more than 475 by 2030 and exceed 550 by 2035.
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, praised Alaska’s growth and the longstanding partnership between the two companies. "Boeing values Alaska’s trust in the 737 and 787 programs," Pope said, as quoted by Benzinga. She also highlighted that the deal reinforces a relationship that began 60 years ago, with Boeing’s delivery of a 727 to Alaska—a nod to the deep roots and mutual confidence that underpin this latest agreement.
The order itself represents a balanced mix of growth aircraft and replacements for aging 737s. By investing in the newest generation of jets, Alaska aims to maintain its reputation for operating one of the youngest and most environmentally responsible fleets in the industry. The airline’s focus on sustainability is underscored by the selection of fuel-efficient models, which are expected to reduce operating costs and carbon emissions over time.
For passengers, the impact of this deal will be tangible. Alaska’s first 787 widebody aircraft will feature the airline’s new global livery and are set to operate on routes to Europe and Asia. The Dreamliner’s advanced design promises a quieter, more comfortable cabin experience, with improved air quality and larger windows—features that are sure to appeal to long-haul travelers seeking comfort on extended journeys.
Alaska’s ambitious expansion is also a response to shifting market dynamics and growing demand for both domestic and international travel. The deployment of the 737-10 on high-demand U.S. routes is intended to maximize efficiency and meet the needs of a recovering travel sector, while the expanded Dreamliner fleet positions Alaska to compete more aggressively on transcontinental and intercontinental routes.
Despite the optimism surrounding the deal, Alaska Air Group faces challenges as it navigates a competitive and rapidly evolving industry. The airline’s stock performance over the past year reflects broader economic uncertainties and sector-specific pressures, including fluctuating fuel prices and changing consumer preferences. Nevertheless, the company’s leadership remains confident that this investment will pay dividends in the years ahead.
"The investment supports the Alaska Accelerate strategy and will help the airline reach more destinations worldwide," Minicucci reiterated, according to Benzinga. By modernizing its fleet and expanding its international footprint, Alaska is betting on a future where flexibility, efficiency, and customer experience are more important than ever.
For Boeing, the Alaska deal is a testament to the enduring appeal of its aircraft and the resilience of its commercial business. After a challenging period marked by production setbacks and regulatory scrutiny, the company’s ability to secure such a significant order from a long-standing partner sends a positive signal to investors and industry observers alike. Boeing’s stock has gained over 32% in the past year, reflecting renewed confidence in its prospects.
As Alaska Airlines prepares to welcome its new jets and chart a course for global expansion, the partnership with Boeing stands as a reminder of the enduring relationships that shape the aviation world. With a growing fleet, new international routes, and a clear commitment to efficiency and sustainability, Alaska is positioning itself for a new era of growth—one flight at a time.