Against the backdrop of the Seattle Delivery Center, Alaska Airlines and Boeing teams, along with government leaders, marked the airline’s historic 110-airplane order and its new global livery. The aurora borealis design, featured on a 787 Dreamliner at Wednesday’s event, reflects the airline’s history and vision for international growth.
Alaska Air Group CEO and President Ben Minicucci said that growth depends on Boeing’s continued progress.
“When it comes to being aligned on what’s really important: safety, quality, performance and efficiency, we are lock step with you,” said Minicucci. “We are committed to your success, and I know you’re committed to our success. That’s the foundation of what great partnerships are built on.”
The order: Alaska and Boeing finalized the airline’s largest order in its history for 105 737-10s and five more 787 Dreamliners. The deal also includes options for 35 more of the largest 737 variant.
Why it matters: “This is more than an order. It’s a doubling down on Alaska’s commitment to The Boeing Company,” said Kelly Ortberg, Boeing president and CEO. “We don’t take that lightly. We know you really need us, and we need to deliver high-quality, safe airplanes to you on time. And we’ll commit to do that.”
Referencing Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in January 2024 when a mid-exit door plug departed a 737-9 in flight, Minicucci added, “You guys have worked hard the last two years. And Alaska will hold the bar high on every airplane that gets delivered to Alaska.”
The event comes as the Seattle-based carrier and Boeing mark 60 years of partnership, which started with the delivery of a 727 and now includes nearly 250 737 airplanes and five 787 Dreamliners in service.
“The 737 MAX is truly the backbone of our domestic fleet,” said Minicucci. “And then with the 787s, this launches us to really go after this exciting vision about being the fourth global carrier.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also hailed the companies’ partnership and the order as a boost for manufacturing jobs, adding “the world and America have faith in Boeing and the progress you’ve made.”
Jawahn, an environmental control technician, said he appreciated the secretary’s message. “The fact that all these leaders and even the transportation secretary are all here to celebrate this shows how important this is,” said Thompson. “It means a lot for employees to see everything we do come to fruition like this.”
Cameron, who works in the Seattle Delivery Center, was inspired by the event. "I've worked at Boeing for 30 years, and I take a lot of pride in what we do. We build these airplanes every day, and when customers recognize the value in that work, it means a lot. These airplanes carry people I care about, including my own family, so the work really matters to me."
