Alaska Airlines has announced its largest aircraft order to date, a move that the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) says will support thousands of union jobs in both the airline and aerospace sectors.
The carrier has confirmed a firm order for 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 airplanes and five Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, with options for an additional 35 737s in the future. This strategic investment is expected to bolster long-term growth for Alaska Airlines and provide significant work for IAM members at Boeing as well as others throughout the aerospace supply chain.
“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,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “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 new order includes both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, which will modernize Alaska’s fleet and expand its domestic and international service. Deliveries are scheduled to begin as early as 2027 and will continue into the next decade, ensuring ongoing work for Boeing employees and contractors nationwide.
IAM Union Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen commented on the significance of the deal: “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, IAM Union Western Territory General Vice President, 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 key role in advocating for policies that have supported job preservation during challenging times such as the pandemic, including federal assistance programs aimed at sustaining employment levels within aviation manufacturing.
John Coveny, President and Directing General Chair of IAM District 142, acknowledged his team’s contributions during recent changes in the industry: “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.”
Further details about Alaska Airlines’ order can be found on CNBC’s coverage (https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/14/alaska-airlines-to-buy-more-than-100-boeing-jets-in-carriers-biggest-order-ever.html) as well as reporting by The Seattle Times (https://www.seattletimes.com/business/boeing-aerospace/alaska-airlines-orders-more-than-100-boeing-planes/).
