SEATTLE, Nov. 23, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska
Airlines announced a transaction today that continues the
optimization of its mainline fleet. As part of the agreement,
Alaska will sell 10 Airbus A320s
to Air Lease Corporation, and subsequently lease 13 new Boeing
737-9 MAX aircraft from them. The 13 737-9 MAX aircraft will be
delivered from fourth quarter 2021 through 2022. Alaska will lease the A320s back from Air
Lease for a short period of time after the transaction closes.
"Alaska's relationship with
Steve dates back to the early 1980s and we're thrilled to work with
him and ALC on an agreement that will enhance our fleet and advance
our environmental, operational and financial performance," said
Brad Tilden, Alaska Air Group
chairman and CEO. "We found an opportunity to sell 10 planes that
are not in our long-term plans and replace them with 13 of the most
efficient narrow-body aircraft available."
"We are honored and pleased to renew our long association and
partnership with our friends at Alaska Airlines," said Steven F.
Udvar-Házy, executive chairman of Air Lease Corporation. "These
leased Boeing 737-9 aircraft from ALC will fill an important role
on Alaska's diverse route network,
bringing the most technologically advanced and environmentally
attractive aircraft type into Alaska's fleet, just in time as we expect the
airline industry will undergo a sustainable recovery starting in
2021."
The MAX aircraft are 20 percent more fuel efficient and generate
20 percent less carbon emissions per seat than the A320s they will
replace. The aircraft is also able to fly 600 miles farther than
Alaska's current A320, which opens
the possibility of additional nonstop routes and new
destinations.
The 13 leased aircraft are in addition to the 32 MAX
Alaska currently has on order with
Boeing – five of which are expected to be flying by summer 2021.
Alaska will begin flying the 737-9
MAX in March 2021. Read more about
how Alaska will prepare to fly its
first MAX at alaskaair.com/737MAX.
After permanently parking all A319s and some A320s earlier this
summer, this deal leaves Alaska Airlines with 39 A320s in the
operating fleet along with 10 A321neos.
Alaska Airlines and its regional partners serve more than 115
destinations across the United
States and North America.
The airline provides essential air service for our guests along
with moving crucial cargo shipments, while emphasizing Next-Level
Care. Alaska is known for low
fares, award-winning customer service and sustainability
efforts. Guests can earn and redeem miles on flights to more
than 800 destinations worldwide with Alaska and its Global Partners. On
March 31, 2021, Alaska will officially become a member of the
oneworld global alliance. Learn more about Alaska at newsroom.alaskaair.com and
blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are
subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
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SOURCE Alaska Airlines