The reason why I ask this question, is because of their recent order for -800s...Have frequent weight penalties and range performance restrictions on transcons with the -900, the deciding factor in causing Alaska to switch to the -800? And what's the story on the proposed -900X, has that been scrapped by Boeing with all attention going to the 7E7? Just curious...

I dont think they are dissapointed, Hmm Interesting . . I suspect they are just adding to their fleet. . . Answers plz

They currently have 12 737-900's in service
Passenger Capacity: 16 First / 156 Coach
Length: 138 ft, 2 in (42.1 m)
Wingspan: 112 ft, 7 in (34.3 m)
Range: 3,159 miles (5,084 km)
Typical Cruise Speed: 530 mph (853 km/h)
Max. Cruising Altitude: 41,000 ft. (12,497 m)



ON order is 2 737-800's
Boeing 737-800 (738)
Number on Order: 2 (Delivery in 2005)
Passenger Capacity: 150-160 (tbd)
Length: 129 ft, 6 in (39.5 m)
Wingspan (incl. Winglets): 117 ft, 5 in (35.8 m)
Range: 3,383 miles (5,449 km)
Typical Cruise Speed: 530 mph (853 km/h)
Max. Cruising Altitude: 41,000 ft. (12,497 m)

[Edited 2004-06-21 18:00:12]



[Edited 2004-06-21 18:02:21]

The aircraft wasn't purchased to do transcons. It was purchased to have incremental capacity and plenty of cargo space for northwest to Alaska operations.

Clearly, had the need for coast to coast been the primary concern they would have initially chosen the -800 or pushed for more range from the -900...

Is that already make orders with new one of B737-800. It would be good with them and begin more new service out of SEA.

Greg said it pretty good. The plane was not ordered for some of the routes its flying now. We will stay with the planes we have now (12), they are perfect for west coast flights that need more capacity as well as Mexico. I see all east coast flying becoming 738's once more are ordered. The 738 will beplaced on Seattle to Florida when they are delivered. Dissapointing may be an over statement, but the 738 is perfect!

ASSFO

How about the -700's, any chances they will order more?
Regards

Back in April, it was announced they were swapping two 739 orders for 738 w/winglets. Here is a clip from the Boeing article...

Alaska Airlines will exchange two 737-900 aircraft it has on order with Boeing for two 737-800s. The planes are due for delivery in February and July of 2005. Alaska sought the exchange as its requirements have evolved. Initially, the -800 aircraft will be used primarily in Alaska’s growing transcontinental markets, with its fleet of larger -900s focused on the carrier’s most heavily traveled markets up and down the West Coast.

“The 737-800 offers a nice blend of range and seating capacity, making it a good complement to our other Next-Generation aircraft,” said Gregg Saretsky, Alaska’s executive vice president of marketing and planning. “It’s perfectly suited for long-haul flights because of its range, payload and low unit costs.”

767-332ER....guess good chance that when more 738's are ordered, there will be some 73G's as well.

ASSFO

Back in April, it was announced they were swapping two 739 orders for 738 w/winglets.

I thought AS decided to do away with the winglet option because of gate space and hangar space restrictions.

Back in April, it was announced they were swapping two 739 orders for 738 w/winglets.

I don't think this has to do with dissapoitment with the 739. It has more to do with the fact that thier transcons to Miami and Orlando have the demand of the 739, but it operates the route with weight restrictions. The 738 is the perfect compromise. I'm positive it will be used almost exclusively to Miami and Orlando.

Yes, I am sure will make with the weight restrictions from SEA-MCO & MIA. It will be fine with them.

Whatever they choose is fine because its still in one family making it more cost friendly for them.

Does Alaska plan to eventually replace thier MD-80's with the 737-800?

I think the -900 has worked out well for North-South flying.
It does well SEA-ANC and on some of the Mexico routes.
There are some payload restrictions flying from the East Coast
depending on headwinds, but overall it has been a good addition
to the fleet.
The -800 shouldn't face these restrictions and will be a great
replacement for both the MD80s and 737-400s.
Hard to predict exactly when a large order for the -800s will ocurr,
but once some labor costs have been addressed, I think you will
see a 20-30 aircraft order.

Alaska is looking at replacing the md-80 with either the 737 or the a320. For Alaska own sake i hope its the 737's mainly because their based out of Seattle and the final assembly of the 737 is Renton.

-Frontiers4ever

Does Alaska plan to eventually replace thier MD-80's with the 737-800?

No, not with the -800s. Far from that! That was the job of the -700s and the main reason why AS aquired the -700s before they even thought of getting -800s & -900s. The M80 is going to be around for a quite awhile. Ive said this on other AS M80 threads in the past. The original phase out date was basically Spring of 2003 that the last M80 would be returned to ILFC, but AS got a good deal on leasing rates and gave the M80 another chance at life for a little while longer.

Would the 'winglet' additions enhance the 739's range performance? My guess, hardly significant?  

Would the 'winglet' additions enhance the 739's range performance? My guess, hardly significant?  

Presently, winglets are not an option on the 739. APB was still working on the certification last I heard.

N