New 'Spirit of Seattle' Boeing 737-800 revealed today as last MD-80 retires
SEATTLE, Aug. 28 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines today completed
its transition to an all-Boeing 737 aircraft fleet with the retirement of its
last MD-80 series airplane, part of a two-year plan to increase the airline's
operational efficiency and improve fuel conservation.
'With the last of our MD-80s retiring today and scheduled deliveries of
additional new Boeing 737-800s this year, Alaska Airlines now operates one of
the youngest, most fuel-efficient and technologically advanced fleets in the
industry,' said Bill Ayer, Alaska's chairman and chief executive officer. 'Our
all-Boeing fleet will make a major difference in customer comfort, fleet
reliability and operating costs, at a time when it matters most.'
The 737-800 burns 850 gallons of fuel per hour, versus 1,100 gallons per
hour by the MD-80. A common fleet type also will result in lower costs for
maintenance, training and flight crew scheduling.
As the airline's last MD-80 circled Washington state's Mount Rainer in a
symbolic final flight, it was joined in the sky by a newly delivered and
specially painted Alaska Airlines Boeing 737-800 airplane, dubbed the 'Spirit
of Seattle' in tribute to the airline's now all-Boeing fleet and unique
hometown partnership with the airplane manufacturer.
'Your newest Next-Generation 737, with its commemorative livery, is
symbolic of our great working together relationship,' said Mark Jenkins,
Boeing 737 vice president and general manager. 'Boeing is committed to Alaska
Airlines' success, and we're proud to be your hometown partner.'
The 737s are equipped with the most advanced safety and navigation
systems. Chief among them is Required Navigation Performance precision
approach technology and Head-up Guidance System, which allows takeoffs and
landings in low-visibility conditions. Alaska's 737s also are equipped with
Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System, which alerts pilots of ground
obstacles.
The airline has firm commitments for an additional eight Boeing 737-800s
through 2008, which will bring its fleet to 116 Boeing 737 aircraft. That
compares to 26 MD-80s and 110 total aircraft at the onset of the airline's
fleet transition in 2006.
Alaska Airlines acquired its first MD-80 aircraft, manufactured by Long
Beach-based McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft, in 1985, and once operated 44 of the
jets. The MD-80, with its larger fuel tanks for extended range, was the
cornerstone of the airline's expansion up and down the West Coast, as well as
into Mexico and the Russian Far East during the 1980s and '90s.
Alaska Airlines and sister carrier Horizon Air together serve 94 cities
through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and
Mexico. For reservations, visit alaskaair.com. For more news and information,
visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at alaskaair.com/newsroom.
SOURCE Alaska Airlines
