Alaska Airlines has announced its largest-ever aircraft order, a move that the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) says will support thousands of union jobs in both the airline and aerospace industries.
The airline confirmed it will purchase 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 airplanes and five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 35 Boeing 737s in the future. The company describes this as a strategic investment aimed at long-term growth, which will provide significant work for IAM members at Boeing and throughout the broader aerospace supply chain. Deliveries are scheduled to begin as early as 2027 and continue into the next decade.
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.”
The order includes both narrowbody and widebody aircraft intended to modernize Alaska’s fleet while expanding its domestic and international service reach. According to Richie Johnsen, IAM Union Air Transport Territory General Vice President, “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, said, “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 roles in advocating for policies that have strengthened aviation over recent years—such as federal job preservation measures during the pandemic—and have supported legislative efforts aimed at bolstering U.S. aerospace manufacturing.
John Coveny, President and Directing General Chair of IAM District 142, added: “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 information about Alaska Airlines’ order can be found on CNBC’s coverage at https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/alaska-airlines-to-buy-more-than-100-boeing-jets-in-carriers-biggest-order-ever.html or Seattle Times’ article at https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/alaska-airlines-orders-more-than-100-boeing-planes/.
