Alaska Air Gets New Plane

November 14, 2012 (FinancialWire) -- Air transport and transportation company Alaska Air Group Inc. (ALK - NYSE) recently introduced Alaska Airlines’ first 737-900ER, which carries more passengers, flies farther and is the most fuel-efficient aircraft the carrier operates, according to company officials. The airline reportedly flew its first 737-900ER between Seattle and San Diego and is scheduled to take delivery of 38 of the aircraft through 2017.

Configured with 165 seats in the main cabin and 16 seats in first class, Alaska's new planes will fly transcontinental routes between the west and east coasts and to the Hawaiian Islands, according to the company.

Company president and CEO Brad Tilden commented, "Boeing's Sky Interior and our new custom-designed seats represent the most significant cabin upgrades for Alaska Airlines in more than 20 years and are part of our goal to make flying more comfortable for our customers. In addition to an improved cabin experience, the 737-900ER has environmental benefits, as well. On a flight between Seattle and Newark, New Jersey, for example, the 737-900ER burns 3 percent fewer gallons per seat than a 737-900."

Alaska Air Group Inc. (approx market cap. US$ 2.9 bil.), through its subsidiaries, provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo. It offers extensive north/south service within the western United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as passenger and cargo services to and within the state of Alaska. It also provides and long-haul east/west service to Hawaii and 13 cities in the mid-continental and eastern United States. The company was founded in 1932 and is based in Seattle, Washington. Alaska Air employs approximately 11,899 people.