Alaska Airlines to Expand Cargo Fleet with Four New Aircraft

Alaska Airlines has announced plans to add four Boeing 737-800BCF freighters to its fleet under long-term lease agreements as part of an expansion of its cargo operations. With the new aircraft, the airline’s dedicated 737 freighter fleet will grow from five to nine aircraft, nearly doubling its cargo capacity.

The aircraft are expected to enter service in the first half of 2027. They will primarily serve the states of Alaska and Hawaii, while the Hawaii-based aircraft are planned to operate in a dedicated Hawaiian Air Cargo livery.

Through the fleet expansion, Alaska Airlines aims to strengthen connections between communities in Alaska and Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, while also adding further capacity to its global cargo network. The increased capacity is also expected to support the growth of the e-commerce and logistics sectors, particularly in Hawaii.

Ian Morgan, Vice President of Alaska Air Cargo, said the new aircraft would help increase the international transportation of export products such as seafood and improve the reliability of shipments involving time-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals, essential supplies and food.