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Alaska Airlines finally crossed the finish line of a nearly two-year marathon that began in 2024 as the last Boeing 737 rejoined the main fleet with its new premium seating configuration late last week. The jet was one of over 200 planes that were rapidly overhauled by the team in just three-day turnaround cycles.
The key differences varied by airframe but the theme that extended to at least three different 737 variants was the expansion of premium seating. All 737-800, -900ER, and MAX 9s now feature 16 first class seats, more premium class rows with new Recaro seats throughout.
Premiumizing Alaska Airlines’ 737s
Both the 
Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8 were expanded from 12 to 16 seats in first class and on the 737-900ER in MAX 9, premium class now has 30 seats instead of the previous layout with 24. Alaska also complemented this higher capacity, ergonomics, convenience features, and technology upgrades. For starters, every seat will now have a built-in device holder to make the flight more enjoyable regardless of cabin class.
Many of the new seats now have built-in, high-power USB-C charging ports, which have been relocated for more comfortable and convenient access. Meanwhile, new leather upholstery and carpets have refreshed the entire interior. Additionally, premium class travelers will not have to worry about overhead bin space now that the airline has introduced reserved placards on storage.
These efforts are part of the fleet standardization program and modernization that follows the merger with Hawaiian Airlines and the study introduction of new 737 MAX models. Alaska is also implementing a follow-on program for the widebody fleet, specifically the Airbus A330neo jets flown by Hawaiian.
The Managing Director of Fleet Technical Support and Cabin Product Execution at Alaska Airlines, Christopher Dela Rosa, announced the program’s completion and shared these remarks in a LinkedIn post:
“Over the last 650 days, a small but mighty team at Alaska Airlines has been hard at work… With 562AS re-entering service yesterday, the backbone of our fleet is primed and ready to deliver during the busy summer schedule.”
Moving On Up: Alaska Branches Out
The premiumization of the domestic network will help Alaska increase revenue thanks to the greater proportion of higher margin airfares available on shorter flights. This rebalance of the fleets supports the merger with Hawaiian as the newly combined fleet prepares to expand international service.
Alaska is continuing to ramp up 737 MAX orders now that the Boeing production line has recovered from the crisis. The massive narrowbody cabin refresh will help fund this new strategy by securing customers on established routes thanks to the new features that ensure the airline remains competitive to retain its core customer base.
Alaska is also transforming its hub at Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) as it aims to add 12 international destinations by 2030 thanks to its growing fleet of widebody jets. The airport has also received numerous upgrades with renovations introducing better facilities for flyers and improved capacity as the fleet grows.
Alaska Unveils Giant Fleet Expansion: 110 New Jets On The Horizon
Alaska Airlines has placed a landmark order for more Boeing 737-10s and 787-10s.
The Long-Awaited Arrival Of The 737 MAX 10
Now that the cabins have been refreshed, the legacy 737 jets will provide a standardized experience to flyers that matches the experience on newer 737 MAX 8, 9, and even the upcoming MAX 10. Alaska announced in early 2026 that it increased its order for both the 787 Dreamliner and 737 MAX 10. The airline officially has an order book for 105 of the longest MAX variants that are expected to be certified this year, with deliveries beginning in 2027.
Despite the airline’s heavy investment, the delivery of new 737 MAX planes has been slow-going due to production issues at Boeing. The cabin upgrades to the older narrowbody jets will now make the travel experience virtually identical for flyers, regardless of the plane they board. While the carrier waits for its new aircraft to be delivered, Alaska has strategically ensured that it will satisfy customers with the recently completed interior improvements.
