Boeing and Alaska Airlines today said the airline has ordered 35 Next-Generation 737-800 passenger airplanes worth an estimated $2.3 billion at list prices.
The Seattle-based airline also holds options for an additional 15 airplanes which, if exercised, would increase the order value by $983 million. Alaska Airlines also took purchase rights for another 50 airplanes, making this among the largest orders for 737-800s.

“When the hometown airline chooses the hometown airplane, it’s cause for celebration,” said Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With this order, our Alaska Airlines partner reconfirms the value of the Next-Generation 737 as the airline continues building for success in an increasingly competitive environment.”

Three of the 35 airplanes announced today were booked earlier this year, with the airline unidentified on the Boeing Orders & Deliveries website.

All the airplanes on firm order are to be delivered between 2006 and 2011. Alaska now operates 34 Next-Generation 737 airplanes consisting of 22 737-700s, two 737-800s and 12 737-900s.

The Next-Generation 737 provides the best value in its class, with proven profit-making capability, achieved through superior operating economics and passenger appeal. The jet flies 305 nautical miles further, and has operating costs that are four to 10 percent lower, than the Airbus A320. The Next-Generation 737 is the most popular single-aisle airplane and the fastest selling airplane of all time.
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