Alaska Airlines Eyes Spring Debut for Boeing 737 MAX 10

Alaska Airlines is on track to receive its first Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft next spring, with plans to introduce it into passenger service by May. The airline's Chief Operating Officer, Jason Berry, said that regulatory certification of the aircraft is expected to be completed by the end of September.

The timeline hinges on approval from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has been delayed for several years. Once certified, Alaska Airlines will begin flying passengers on the MAX 10 between April and mid-May, provided Boeing receives the necessary approvals.

The airline's order for 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, including options to acquire another 35, is a key component of its long-term expansion strategy. The larger MAX 10 will allow Alaska Airlines to add seats on busy routes without increasing the number of flights, giving the carrier greater flexibility in managing its network.

However, Berry acknowledged that there are still some certification hurdles to clear, particularly related to the head-up display used by pilots. This process is expected to take a few months after the aircraft itself is approved.