Alaska Airlines Says Goodbye to the Boeing 737-900
Alaska Airlines, a major player in the aviation industry and one of the largest operators of the Boeing 737, recently retired a specific variant from its fleet: the Boeing 737-900. This decision marks a significant shift in the airline’s narrowbody aircraft strategy. With a current fleet of 253 Boeing 737s (including cargo variants), according to ch-aviation data, the absence of the 737-900 is now noticeable. Let’s delve into the reasons behind this retirement, the aircraft’s history with Alaska Airlines, and what’s taking its place.
A Look Back: The Boeing 737-900 at Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines first welcomed the Boeing 737-900 to its fleet in May 2001, with the aircraft registered as N302AS. Over the years, the airline operated a total of 12 of these aircraft, each configured to accommodate up to 178 passengers – 16 in business class and 162 in economy, including 24 extra-legroom seats. However, the arrival of the Boeing 737-900ER, boasting an extended range, ultimately overshadowed its predecessor.
Why Retire the 737-900?
The introduction of the 737-900ER proved to be a game-changer. Alaska Airlines began acquiring the extended-range variant in 2012, eventually operating over 70 of them. This made the earlier 737-900s somewhat redundant. The airline began reducing its 737-900 fleet in 2024, culminating in the retirement of the final aircraft in September 2025, almost 24 years after the first one joined the fleet (N302AS).
The 737-900ER: A More Versatile Option
While the 737-900 and 737-900ER appear similar externally, the latter offers increased passenger capacity – up to 220 passengers – thanks to the addition of extra emergency exit doors. Alaska Airlines maintained a similar passenger configuration to the 737-900 (16 business, 162 economy, with 30 extra-legroom seats), but the primary advantage of the 737-900ER was its extended range, reaching up to 3,775 miles.
Enter the Boeing 737 MAX 9
Later, the Boeing 737 MAX 9 emerged as the preferred aircraft for Alaska Airlines. Its comparable passenger capacity, coupled with advanced technology and lower operating costs, made it an ideal addition to the airline’s growing fleet. However, the 737 MAX program faced challenges, including temporary halts following the tragic Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crashes. More recently, Alaska Airlines experienced an incident in January 2024 when a door plug blew out on a 737 MAX 9, raising safety concerns.
A Limited Legacy: The 737-900’s Global Presence
Launched in 1997 and entering service in 2001 with Alaska Airlines, the Boeing 737-900 didn’t achieve widespread popularity. Only three airlines ever operated the type: Alaska Airlines, KLM, and Korean Air. In contrast, Southwest Airlines currently boasts the largest 737 fleet globally, with 809 aircraft.
Alaska Airlines’ Long-Standing Relationship with the 737
Alaska Airlines has a long and rich history with the Boeing 737, operating most major variants since the early 1970s. The airline is currently awaiting the delivery of eight additional 737 MAX 8s and 168 737 MAX 10s, expected to arrive by 2027 (pending FAA certification). The 737-900ER remains a cornerstone of the fleet, with 79 aircraft in operation – second only to the 80 737 MAX 9s.
Operational Flexibility and Future Plans
The Boeing 737-900’s limited range hindered its use on Alaska Airlines’ key transcontinental routes from West Coast hubs like Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). The 737-900ER’s extended range and increased operational flexibility made it the superior choice. Alaska Airlines is also investing in widebody aircraft, with new Boeing 787-9 jets planned for routes to London Heathrow (LHR) and Reykjavik Keflavik (KEF).
Sources: Simple Flying, ch-aviation
