With the announcement by Alaska Airlines for 20 737 MAX 8s, 17 737 MAX 9s (and 13 Next-Generation 737-900ERs), Airbus and Boeing continue their battle for the US market.
There are still a number of customers who have not ordered either aircraft. US Airways has been exclusively an Airbus customer. Airbus lost a hard-fought battle to Boeing in the competition for the A321-737-900ER order. ILFC orders seem to be on hold pending its Initial Public Stock offering.
737 MAX | A320neo | No Order Yet |
American* | Spirit Airlines | US Airways |
Aviation Capital Group** | Frontier Airlines | Delta Air Lines |
Southwest Airlines | jetBlue | |
United Airlines | American* | |
Air Lease Corp | Aviation Capital Group | |
GECAS | CIT Aerospace | |
Alaska | Virgin America | |
*To be affirmed in bankruptcy court**Commitment, not yet converted to firm order | ILFC |
A new history, just published, of Alaska Airlines and sister company Horizon Air is worthy of adding to any aviation book collection.
Written by aviation historian Robert J. Serling, now all of 90 years old, the book was commissioned by Alaska for its 75th anniversary, which was last year. The book was delayed in part because of Serling’s health. Although the book was commissioned, this is no powder-puff piece; it’s an honest reporting job that is probably one of Serling’s best among six or so airline histories written over the years.
Serling is one of our favorite aviation authors; we recommend buying the book. It’s available through Amazon.com.