Alaska Airlines has announced its largest-ever aircraft order, a move that is expected to support thousands of jobs within the airline and aerospace industries. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) praised the decision, highlighting the positive impact it will have on union members and the broader industry.
The airline confirmed a firm order for 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 airplanes and five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 35 737s in the future. Deliveries are scheduled to begin as early as 2027 and will continue into the next decade. This investment aims to modernize Alaska Airlines’ fleet and expand its domestic and international reach, while also providing steady work for Boeing employees and contractors across the United States.
“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,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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.”
IAM Union Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen 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.”
IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President Robert “Bobby” Martinez 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.”
According to IAM officials, union members played a key role in supporting policies that helped strengthen aviation during recent years. These efforts included advocating for federal measures that preserved jobs during the pandemic as well as legislative actions designed to support U.S.-based aerospace manufacturing.
“I am extremely proud of IAM District 142 members for their work during the Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines merger,” said IAM District 142 President and Directing General Chair John Coveny. “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.”
Alaska Airlines’ commitment represents both an expansion plan for its operations—covering narrowbody and widebody jets—and ongoing support for American labor within aerospace manufacturing.
Further information about this major purchase can be found through CNBC’s report on Alaska Airlines’ record-breaking jet order (https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/03/alaska-airlines-orders-more-than-100-boeing-jets-in-carriers-biggest-order-ever.html), as well as Seattle Times coverage (https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/alaska-airlines-orders-more-than-100-boeing-planes/).
