Alaska Airlines has announced its largest aircraft order to date, a move that is expected to support thousands of jobs for members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) and others in the airline and aerospace sectors. The carrier confirmed it will purchase 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 airplanes and five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 35 737s in the future.
The new order marks a significant investment in Alaska Airlines’ fleet modernization and expansion plans. Deliveries are scheduled to begin as early as 2027 and continue into the next decade, ensuring ongoing work for Boeing employees, IAM members, and contractors throughout the United States.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, stated: “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 order includes both narrowbody and widebody aircraft aimed at modernizing Alaska’s fleet while expanding its domestic and international service reach. Richie Johnsen, Air Transport Territory General Vice President at IAM Union, commented: “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 at 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 representatives also highlighted their role in advocating for federal policies that have supported job preservation during recent challenges such as the pandemic, as well as legislative efforts to strengthen aerospace manufacturing within the country.
John Coveny, President of IAM District 142 said: “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.”
Further details on Alaska Airlines’ record-breaking jet purchase can be found through CNBC coverage (https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/alaska-airlines-to-buy-more-than-100-boeing-jets-in-carriers-biggest-order-ever.html) as well as local reporting from Seattle Times (https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/alaska-airlines-orders-more-than-100-boeing-planes-in-record-deal/).
