Alaska Airlines and aviation giant have signed a deal for 15 next-generation 737 aircraft.

The deal – worth a total of $1.3 billion at list prices – is comprised of 13 737-900ERs (extended range) and two 737-800s, with the former a new model for the Alaska Airlines fleet.

The largest and newest model in the 737 family, the 737-900ER can carry up to 26 more passengers or fly about 926 kilometres farther than the 737-900.

“The reliability and efficiency of our 737 fleet has been a direct contributor to our strong financial performance,” said Brad Tilden, president of Alaska Airlines.

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“The 737-900ER will be a perfect fit for our transcontinental, high traffic west coast and mid-continental markets and will be the most fuel efficient airplane in our fleet.”

The longer range of the 737-900ER will connect distant city pairs across continents, such as Seattle to Orlando, Fla., in a two-class configuration.

The Next-Generation 737s will add capability to Alaska Airlines’ fleet of 114 737s currently serving 61 destinations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“Alaska Airlines has established a strong record of operational and financial performance by operating a highly efficient and flexible all-Boeing 737 fleet,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of sales and marketing for Boeing Commercial Airplanes

“The addition of these Next-Generation 737s demonstrates our hometown partner’s strong investment in its future growth.