Alaska Airlines to expand mainline fleet first and premium class seating

Alaska Airlines announced (17-Jul-2024) plans to expand first and premium class seating with the addition of 1.3 million premium seats p/a to the mainline fleet. The carrier will commence the roll out of additional first and premium class seats across more than 200 aircraft from Sep-2024. Details as follows:

• Boeing 737-800:
  • First class: Increase from 12 to 16 seats;
  • Premium class: Unchanged with 30 seats;
  • Aircraft being retrofitted: 59;
  • Timing: Conversions will begin in early 2025 and will be completed by summer 2026;
• 737-900ER:
  • First class: Unchanged with 16 seats;
  • Premium class: Increase from 24 to 30 seats;
  • Aircraft being retrofitted: 79;
  • Timing: Conversions will begin in autumn 2025 and will be completed by summer 2026;
• 737 MAX 9:
  • First class: Unchanged with 16 seats;
  • Premium class: Increase from 24 to 30 seats;
  • Aircraft being retrofitted: 80;
  • Timing: Conversions will begin in spring 2025 and will be completed by summer 2025;

Alaska Airlines also retrofitted its regional fleet in 2024, adding 400,000 premium class seats to Embraer E175 aircraft. [more - original PR]