Alaska Air Cargo will add two B737-800 converted freighter aircraft to enter service next year.
A spokesperson said that Alaska Air Cargo’s dedicated freighter capacity will essentially double in 2023 with the new B737-800Fs, giving it five scheduled freighters serving the state of Alaska and connecting to the Lower 48 US states.
The 737-800s will be converted from the carrier’s existing passenger aircraft offering more main deck and belly-load space – and higher fuel efficiency – than the three B737-700 freighters currently in its fleet.
“The timing couldn’t be better,” said Adam Drouhard, managing director for Alaska Air Cargo. “Fleet expansion positions our growing cargo business to meet increased demand that we see from industry and consumers.”
How the 737-800 compares to our 737-700 freighters
| 737-800 freighter | 737-700 freighter | |
| Main deck positions | 11 full positions (88”x125”) | 8 full positions (88”x125”) |
| Belly capacity | 44 square meters | 17.5 square meters |
| Payload | 50,000 lbs | 40,000 lbs |
| Number in fleet | 2 coming in 2023 | 3 |
“Alaskans have always relied on Alaska Air Cargo to provide time-sensitive services to their communities,” said Marilyn Romano, regional vice president, Alaska Airlines.
“Whether it is vaccines, medicine, household supplies or fresh food, our freighters keep rural Alaska supplied and connected. The additional freighter capacity also allows us to quickly move seafood and other commodities from Alaska to points throughout the U.S.”
The freighter fleet growth is part of a broader expansion of cargo opportunities across the airline’s 100-city network, which includes the most extensive air cargo operation on the West Coast of any passenger airline.
Said a spokesperson: “This year, we are also adding 30 new 737-9 MAX aircraft to our passenger fleet, bringing higher fuel efficiency, additional long-range nonstop options and a larger capacity for cargo payload.”
The two B737-800s will be converted later this year, and enter freighter service next year.
