Alaska Airlines has exercised an option to purchase five Boeing 737-900ER aircraft from the manufacturer in a deal valued at a list price of $481 million.
The Seattle-based 737 operator will take two of the aircraft in 2015, two in 2016 and one in 2017, according to a media release from Alaska.
"Today's announcement supports our goal of growing Alaska Airlines 4% to 8% a year, profits permitting," Mark Eliasen, vice-president of finance and treasurer at Alaska, says in the release. "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."
Alaska already has 31 outstanding firm orders for the 737-900ER, aircraft that are scheduled for delivery by the end of 2017. It also has orders for 37 737 Max 8 and Max 9 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for between 2018 and 2024, according to Flightglobal's Ascend Online database.
The airline expects to have 134 737s in its fleet by the end of 2014, says the media release.
"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," says Brad McMullen, vice-president of North America sales at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in a statement.
Source: Airline Business
