Alaska Airlines has announced its largest aircraft order to date, confirming the purchase of 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 airplanes and five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners. The airline also secured options for an additional 35 Boeing 737s in the future. This move is expected to support thousands of jobs within the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) as well as throughout the broader aerospace supply chain.
According to Alaska Airlines, deliveries will begin as early as 2027 and continue into the next decade. The new aircraft will modernize Alaska’s fleet and expand its domestic and international operations.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, commented on the development: “This historic investment by Alaska Airlines is tremendous news for IAM members who help build the planes and our District 142 members at Alaska / Hawaiian. Large-scale aircraft orders like this mean stability and opportunity for working families from factory floors to airline hubs and the entire U.S. aerospace and airline industries.”
The union emphasized that this order signals confidence in American manufacturing, particularly benefiting workers at Boeing facilities across the United States. Richie Johnsen, Air Transport Territory General Vice President of IAM Union, stated: “Alaska Airlines’ historic investment in more than 100 Boeing aircraft sends a powerful message in our industry. As the largest airline and aerospace union, the IAM will continue to lead in ensuring our members share in this growth with dignity and respect. This order will create good-paying jobs, open doors for the next generation of aviation workers, and further confirms that the airline industry has a strong and bright future.”
Robert “Bobby” Martinez, Western Territory General Vice President of IAM Union, added: “The workers we represent build and maintain these advanced aircraft. This investment demonstrates confidence in American manufacturing and the professionalism of our members at Boeing and throughout the aerospace industry.”
IAM highlighted its role in advocating for federal policies that preserved aviation sector jobs during recent economic challenges, including efforts during the pandemic to secure legislative support for U.S. aerospace manufacturing.
John Coveny, President and Directing General Chair of IAM District 142, recognized union members’ contributions during recent changes within Alaska Airlines: “I am extremely proud of IAM District 142 members for their work during the Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines merger. This announcement signals that our industry is strong thanks to the work of our members at Alaska Airlines. IAM District 142 is growing fast and our members continue to help lead the way in the airline industry.”
Additional coverage can be found through CNBC’s report on Alaska Airlines’ record-setting jet order as well as reporting by The Seattle Times on the impact on regional manufacturing.
