Alaska Airlines announced Tuesday their intention to purchase a total of 68 new 737-9 MAX aircraft from the Boeing Corporation.

The airline will take the first delivery from the aerospace and arms manufacturer of the previously grounded aircraft in March 2021, with five new aircraft scheduled for acceptance by the summer.

“We believe in this airplane, we believe in our strong partnership with Boeing, and we believe in the future of Alaska Airlines and the incredible opportunities ahead as we climb our way out of this pandemic” said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group, in a news release announcing the purchase. “We could not ask for a better partner than Boeing and we are delighted to be standing side by side with them as we work together to get our economy back on its feet.”

Alaska Airlines did not respond to a message asking how much the aircraft will cost.

The 737 MAX was grounded after a pair of high-profile crashes, killing 364 people, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. New maintenance and training requirements are in place for all operators of the aircraft, including a mandate that the FAA will approve the 737 MAX training program on an individual basis by airline.

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“Alaska will fly the Boeing 737 MAX only after our own assessments, verifications and internal reviews determine that the aircraft is safe throughout our network for our guests and our crews,” Alaska Airlines said in a news release. “Teams from divisions all across Alaska are working on the entry into service requirements for the MAX.”

The head of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, a non-military division of the larger Boeing Corporation, thanked Alaska Airlines for its support, signing the restructured contract.

“We are grateful for Alaska’s trust and partnership,” said Stan Deal, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Our team is focused on delivering their first 737 MAX jets and helping ensure a safe and seamless entry into service.”

Alaska Airlines has also taken out options on 52 further 737 MAX aircraft, increasing a previous option for 37, according to the news release.

The 737 MAXs will replace all Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft in service, according to the new release. The changeover will increase fuel efficiency by 20% and will reduce carbon emissions by 20% compared to the A320, according to Alaska Airlines. It also has an extended range of 600 miles further, creating new options for destinations, according the news release.

The move to changeover the majority of Alaska’s Airbus fleet is intended to standardize with a mainline fleet that’s more efficient and environmentally friendly, according to the news release. Other countries are beginning to to recertify the 737 MAX to fly in their airspace as well, providing pilots meet their design fixes and updated training standards. Other airlines, including major European carrier Ryanair, have recently placed orders for hundreds of the aircraft with Boeing.

• Contact reporter Michael S. Lockett at (757) 621-1197 or mlockett@juneauempire.com.

Alaska Airlines and Boeing Commercial Airlines held a signing ceremony in Seattle on Dec. 18, 2020 to celebrate the restructuring of an agreement that will see dozens of the recently ungrounded 737 MAX aircraft purchased by Alaska over the next several years. (Courtesy photo/ Alaska Airlines)