Alaska Airlines, one of the largest operators of Boeing 737 aircraft, retired its Boeing 737-900 variant in September of last year. The decision marked the end of a chapter for the airline, which had first introduced the 737-900 to its fleet in May 2001. Over the years, Alaska Airlines operated a total of 12 Boeing 737-900s, each configured to carry up to 178 passengers.
The move to retire this particular model was influenced by the arrival and popularity of newer variants. In 2012, Alaska Airlines began adding the Boeing 737-900ER to its fleet. This extended-range version offered more operational flexibility and could be equipped with additional emergency exit doors, allowing for higher passenger capacity if needed. Despite this capability, Alaska Airlines maintained a similar seating arrangement as with its earlier 737-900s but increased the number of extra legroom seats.
By April 2025, after nearly 24 years in service, Alaska’s first Boeing 737-900 (N302AS) was retired. The phase-out process concluded in September that year. The main advantage of replacing the older -900s with -900ERs was the increased range—up to 3,775 miles—which better suited Alaska Airlines’ cross-country routes from West Coast hubs such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and San Francisco International Airport.
The airline has also turned to newer technology with the introduction of the Boeing 737 MAX 9 into its fleet starting in 2021. This aircraft offers advanced features and lower operating costs while maintaining similar passenger capacity. However, safety concerns have affected public perception; notably, two fatal crashes involving other airlines led to a temporary halt in deliveries across the MAX program. Additionally, an incident in January 2024 saw a door blow out on one of Alaska’s own MAX 9 jets—no fatalities occurred but it drew significant attention.
The original Boeing 737-900 never gained widespread popularity among airlines; only three carriers—Alaska Airlines, KLM, and Korean Air—operated this model. In contrast, Southwest Airlines remains the world’s largest operator of various other Boeing 737 types.
Currently, Alaska Airlines operates several other variants: the -700 and -800 models remain active alongside larger numbers of -900ERs and MAX aircraft. The airline is awaiting delivery of more MAX jets—including eight MAX 8s and an order for up to 168 MAX 10s once certified by US authorities.
In addition to narrowbody expansion plans, Alaska recently revealed new livery for incoming widebody Boeing 787-9 jets that will serve international routes from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. At that announcement in 2025, CEO Ben Minicucci stated:
“With these bold moves, we are accelerating our vision to connect our guests to the world. We are seizing this moment to redefine the international experience and level up. And we’re doing it with the same relentless focus on safety, care and performance that’s always defined us. I’m so proud of how our people continue to step up and deliver as we push ahead on these initiatives, with even more to come.”
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