Alaska Airlines has announced its largest aircraft order to date, purchasing 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 airplanes and five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 35 737s in the future. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) has welcomed this move, noting that it will support thousands of union jobs in both the airline and aerospace industries.
The order is expected to modernize Alaska Airlines’ fleet and expand its reach domestically and internationally. Deliveries are scheduled to begin as early as 2027 and continue into the next decade, providing ongoing work for Boeing employees and contractors throughout the United States.
Brian Bryant, International President of IAM Union, stated: “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. 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.”
Richie Johnsen, Air Transport Territory General Vice President of IAM Union, commented: “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.”
Robert “Bobby” Martinez, Western Territory General Vice President of IAM Union, 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.”
IAM members have played a role in advocating for policies that have supported aviation sector stability during recent years. These efforts include securing federal support during the pandemic to preserve jobs as well as backing legislative measures aimed at strengthening aerospace manufacturing within the country.
John Coveny, President and Directing General Chair of IAM District 142, said: “I am extremely proud of IAM District 142 members for their work during the Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines merger. 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.”
More details about Alaska Airlines’ record-setting purchase can be found on CNBC’s coverage (https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/alaska-airlines-to-buy-more-than-100-boeing-jets-in-carriers-biggest-order-ever.html) as well as through reporting by The Seattle Times (https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/alaska-airlines-orders-more-than-100-boeing-planes/).
