Alaska Airlines retired its final Boeing 737-900 aircraft on February 18, 2026, marking the end of an era for the aircraft type within the airline’s fleet. The decision to phase out the 737-900s comes as Alaska Airlines continues to modernize its fleet with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft.
Introduced to Alaska Airlines in 2001, the 737-900 was the launch customer for the aircraft type, with the first plane delivered following an escort by Iditarod Trail sled-dog race champion Doug Swingley and his team. The airline initially operated 16 of the 737-900s, later expanding the fleet to a peak of 18 aircraft.
The 737-900s were configured with 178 seats, including 16 in First Class and 24 in Premium Class, alongside the main cabin. Features included seatback power outlets, inflight internet service, and Boeing’s Sky Interior. Alaska Airlines likewise incorporated Space Bins, offering increased overhead bin capacity.
According to seatmaps.com, Alaska Airlines operated two different seat map configurations of the Boeing 737-900ER, one with 178 passengers and another with 173. Both configurations included First Class, Premium Economy, and Economy seating.
The retirement of the 737-900s is part of a broader fleet refresh at Alaska Airlines, replacing older aircraft like the 737-400 with newer models, including the Boeing 737 MAX 9 and the Airbus A320 family. The 737-900s have been replaced by aircraft offering improved fuel efficiency and passenger amenities.
The aircraft’s range of 2,210 nautical miles allowed it to serve many of Alaska Airlines’ routes. The 737-900’s dimensions included a length of 138 feet, 2 inches and a wingspan of 117 feet, 5 inches. The aircraft typically cruised at 530 mph at a maximum altitude of 41,000 feet.
Alaska Airlines has not publicly announced plans for the disposition of the retired 737-900 aircraft. The airline did not respond to requests for comment regarding the future of the planes.
