Our dedicated freighter capacity will essentially double in 2023 when we add two 737-800 aircraft to our Alaska Air Cargo fleet, giving us five scheduled freighters serving the state of Alaska and connecting to the Lower 48.
The 737-800s will be converted from our existing passenger aircraft, and they offer more main deck and belly-load space – and higher fuel efficiency – than the three 737-700 freighters currently in our fleet.
“The timing couldn’t be better,” said Adam Drouhard, managing director for Alaska Air Cargo. “Fleet expansion positions our growing cargo business to meet increased demand that we see from industry and consumers.”
How the 737-800 compares to our 737-700 freighters
| 737-800 freighter | 737-700 freighter | |
| Main deck positions | 11 full positions (88”x125”) | 8 full positions (88”x125”) |
| Belly capacity | 44 square meters | 17.5 square meters |
| Payload | 50,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs |
| Number in fleet | 2 coming in 2023 | 3 |
The additional aircraft will increase the reliability of our scheduled freighter service to 20 communities across the state of Alaska.
“Alaskans have always relied on Alaska Air Cargo to provide time-sensitive services to their communities,” said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president, Alaska Airlines. “Whether it is vaccines, medicine, household supplies or fresh food, our freighters keep rural Alaska supplied and connected. The additional freighter capacity also allows us to quickly move seafood and other commodities from Alaska to points throughout the U.S.”
The freighter fleet growth is part of a broader expansion of cargo opportunities across our 100-city network, which includes the most extensive air cargo operation on the West Coast of any passenger airline. This year, we are also adding 30 new 737-9 MAX aircraft to our passenger fleet, bringing higher fuel efficiency, additional long-range nonstop options and a larger capacity for cargo payload.
The 737-800s will be converted from their current passenger configuration to all-freight aircraft later this year, and enter freighter service next year. Watch for updates on the conversion on our Cargo Connections blog, in our newsletter and on our LinkedIn page.
See our complete freighter schedule
DESTINATION SPOTLIGHT: ALASKA
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