Alaska Airlines Announces Order for Six Boeing Next-Generation 737-900ERs
Feb 18, 2015, 10:25 pm
#18
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While I understand that the -400 is becoming disfavored by the flying public for the most part, replacing a -400 (or a -700) 1:1 with a -900ER, especially on thinner routes, means while we may have a shiny new plane, we will probably see less frequency to accommodate the increase in seats... I really like the -700 and wish they would keep them (and do the power/slim line, etc) for the thinner routes, such as xSLC or even xANC.
Feb 18, 2015, 11:04 pm
#20
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RDU from anywhere?
But its yet to be seen if this is a net replacement of aircraft with a 25% in seats, or an actual gain in aircraft count. Those 734 & 73G leases seem to keep extending
RDU from anywhere?
But its yet to be seen if this is a net replacement of aircraft with a 25% in seats, or an actual gain in aircraft count. Those 734 & 73G leases seem to keep extending
Feb 18, 2015, 11:53 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2003
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I'm confused about what Alaska plans to do with the 737-700s and 400s. Are they going to be updated with the new seats/power/IFE? Seems like Alaska wants to create a unified customer experience, these planes need to be updated, unless Alaska is really planning on phasing them all out in 2 years.
Feb 19, 2015, 6:46 am
#25
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While I understand that the -400 is becoming disfavored by the flying public for the most part, replacing a -400 (or a -700) 1:1 with a -900ER, especially on thinner routes, means while we may have a shiny new plane, we will probably see less frequency to accommodate the increase in seats.
-400/700 flights get ungauged to a -800; routinely full -800s move to -900s unless range or takeoff performance is a factor.
Feb 19, 2015, 10:02 am
#26
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While I understand that the -400 is becoming disfavored by the flying public for the most part, replacing a -400 (or a -700) 1:1 with a -900ER, especially on thinner routes, means while we may have a shiny new plane, we will probably see less frequency to accommodate the increase in seats... I really like the -700 and wish they would keep them (and do the power/slim line, etc) for the thinner routes, such as xSLC or even xANC.
Feb 19, 2015, 10:14 am
#27
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Basically, AS is saying that the total fuel cost of the -400 is exactly the same as a -900ER. The benefit of the -900ER is that it has 25% more seats. The labor cost of the -900ER will be somewhat higher because of the need for 1 more FA. So, if a route was profitable with the -400, it will likely be profitable with the -900ER despite the increase in seats.
I'm not disagreeing with AS's strategy -- they have a low cost structure and seem to be smart with expansion -- but there is a huge cost to new planes. The new plane obsession is what leveraged CO to the hilt and basically required that they merge.
Feb 19, 2015, 10:30 am
#28
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 229
I'm confused about what Alaska plans to do with the 737-700s and 400s. Are they going to be updated with the new seats/power/IFE? Seems like Alaska wants to create a unified customer experience, these planes need to be updated, unless Alaska is really planning on phasing them all out in 2 years.
They'll be outfitted with the streaming entertainment (Alaska Beyond) along with the already-installed gogo wifi but will not be getting seat-power. Was on a -700 a couple of days ago with the streaming movies...love it!
Feb 19, 2015, 11:00 am
#29
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Now, if these were 787s or 777s...
Feb 19, 2015, 12:57 pm
#30
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-400 and -700's are getting hand-me down 'new' seats from the -800 and -900's. No more super-cushy FC seats on the -400's which I'll miss...reminds me of the old 727's!
They'll be outfitted with the streaming entertainment (Alaska Beyond) along with the already-installed gogo wifi but will not be getting seat-power. Was on a -700 a couple of days ago with the streaming movies...love it!
Glad to see 734's getting Alaska beyond servers (and tablets too right?).
I've noticed the 73H seats going into them too...like the adjustable headrests ^
And as these are shorter flights the lack of power isn't the end of the world for me.
These refinements seem to indicate the A/c will stick around for a bit longer.
Originally Posted by HiFlyerAS
I'm confused about what Alaska plans to do with the 737-700s and 400s. Are they going to be updated with the new seats/power/IFE? Seems like Alaska wants to create a unified customer experience, these planes need to be updated, unless Alaska is really planning on phasing them all out in 2 years.
They'll be outfitted with the streaming entertainment (Alaska Beyond) along with the already-installed gogo wifi but will not be getting seat-power. Was on a -700 a couple of days ago with the streaming movies...love it!
I've noticed the 73H seats going into them too...like the adjustable headrests ^
And as these are shorter flights the lack of power isn't the end of the world for me.
These refinements seem to indicate the A/c will stick around for a bit longer.