Alaska 900ER

US-based Alaska Airlines has placed a $594m order with Boeing for six Boeing 737-900 extended range (ER) aircraft.

With this order, Alaska’s total of locally manufactured aircraft on order increases to 79.

The airline is expected to receive four aircraft in 2016, and the remaining two in 2017.

Alaska Airlines executive vice-president Andrew Harrison said: "We’re delighted Boeing is able to expedite delivery of four of these new 737-900ERs, increasing the number of planes we’ll receive next year to 19.

"The airline plans to replace its remaining 737-400 airliners with 737-900ERs, which are claimed to transport 25% more passengers using the same amount of fuel."

"These comfortable and highly efficient jets will expand and strengthen our already leading Pacific Northwest network."

Alaska Airlines is said to be among the youngest fleet operators in North America.

The airline plans to replace its remaining 737-400 airliners with 737-900ERs, which are claimed to transport 25% more passengers using the same amount of fuel.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president Ray Conner said: "As hometown partners, Alaska and Boeing have a shared vision to put the most innovative and fuel-efficient airplanes in the skies."

The 737-900ER aircraft for Alaska Airlines will be configured with Boeing’s larger overhead bins, with a capacity to hold 48% more bags over existing bins.

Alaska Air Group’s subsidiary Alaska Airlines serves more than 100 cities across Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico.

Image: Alaska Airlines is expected to receive four 737-900ERs in 2016, and the remaining two in 2017. Photo: courtesy of Alaska Air Group.