Alaska Airlines has ordered 23 new Boeing 737 Max airplanes to prepare for a rebound in air travel next year.
The new order is in addition to the leasing agreement for 13 aircraft between the plane manufacturer and airline last month. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in March, the air travel industry was severely impacted. However, with the COVID-19 vaccine deliveries and administration underway in many countries, the airline believes that passenger demand will return soon.
Under the agreement, Alaska Airlines has the option to increase its order by 15 units. The company is set to take the delivery of its first 737 Max in early 2021 and plans to begin operating the aircraft in March next year.