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Alaska Airlines has completed the retirement of its Boeing 737-900 fleet, marking the end of more than two decades of service for these aircraft. The airline, which was the launch customer for the 737-900, received its first deliveries between 2001 and 2003. Over time, these planes became some of the oldest in Alaska’s lineup and were nearing their second major maintenance cycle.
The final aircraft was moved to storage in September 2025. According to Airline Geeks, this move is part of a broader effort by Alaska Airlines to modernize its fleet and improve operational efficiency. The 737-900s were initially intended to increase capacity and range within Alaska’s network but did not meet performance expectations. Their passenger capacity matched that of the smaller -800 variant, an issue only resolved with the later introduction of the 737-900ER.
The decision to phase out the -900s comes as Alaska Airlines continues investing in newer models such as the Boeing 737 MAX series. The company now operates 88 units from both the 737-8 and 737-9 families and plans further expansion with future deliveries, including the larger 737-10 model, as tracked by Planespotter.net. These newer jets feature improved fuel efficiency—about 20% better than previous generations—and upgraded cabin amenities like sculpted sidewalls, adaptive lighting, USB-C ports at every seat, and enhanced entertainment options.
