Alaska Airlines MAX8

US carrier Alaska Airlines has placed a $5bn firm order for 50 Boeing 737s, as part of its plan to replace most of its single-aisle aircraft fleet in the next 12 years.

The order of 50 aircraft consists of 20 737 MAX 8s, 17 737 MAX 9s and 13 Next-Generation 737-900ERs.

.When combined with the last order for 25 737s, the additional aircraf is expected to provide the carrier with flexibility to manage its fleet to deal with growing air travel demand.

Alaska Airlines president and chief executive Brad Tilden said the latest order would contribute to the company’s growth and enable it to continue operating fuel-efficient aircraft.

"Our customers will continue to enjoy a comfortable in-flight experience, low fares and excellent on-time performance," Tilden added.

The first of the 737s from the latest order is scheduled to be delivered in 2015, while the MAX model deliveries are expected between 2018 and 2024.

"Alaska Airlines president and chief executive Brad Tilden said the latest order would contribute to the company’s growth and enable it to continue operating fuel-efficient aircraft."

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air, only uses Boeing 737 jets and the latest firm order will help the it replace its older 737-400s by the end of 2017.

The carrier currently operates a fleet of 120 Boeing 737s.

Powered by CFM’s LEAP-1B engines, 737 MAX is a new version of Boeing’s workhorse single-aisle aircraft and builds on the strengths of the current Next-Generation 737s.

It reduces fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 13%, and according to Boeing, it offers an 8% operating cost advantage over future competition.

Boeing stated that with this order, the total number of 737 MAX orders have reached 858.


Image: Alaska Airlines will use the latest order to replace its older Boeing 737-400s jets by 2017. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.