Alaska Airlines upgrading select 737 cabins, adding seats

Alaska Airlines announced (23-Apr-2013) a USD100 million upgrade of cabins on all of the carrier's Boeing 737-800 and 737-900 aircraft, due for completion by the end of 2014. The carrier is adding new Recaro seats, which feature on Alaska Airlines 737-900ER fleet. The upgrade will enable the carrier to add six seats on its 737-800s and nine seats on its 737-900s, without changing seat pitch or recline. Alaska Airlines currently operates 61 737-800s and 12 737-900s. The carrier is also considering wireless streaming of IFE to passengers' mobile devices. Alaska Airlines VP of marketing Joe Sprague said "passengers have responded very favourably to the innovative and comfortable Recaro seats on our 737-900ERs. Two other features we know they want the most are power for their electronic devices and enhanced inflight entertainment." The upgrades will result in the following seating configuration:

• 737-800: 163 passengers (16 first class, 147 economy);
• 737-900: 181 passengers (16 first class, 165 economy);
• 737-900ER: 181 passengers (16 first class, 165 economy). [more - original PR]