Alaska Airlines is set to significantly increase its use of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft this winter season. The airline plans to deploy its 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 jets across a wide network of routes in December 2025. This expansion highlights the growing role of next-generation aircraft in the carrier's operations, particularly as travel demand rises during the colder months.
The Boeing 737 MAX family has become a central part of Alaska Airlines' mainline fleet. With a substantial number of these aircraft already in service and more on order, the airline is leveraging their efficiency and capacity to serve both domestic and international destinations.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska Airlines will schedule over 8,000 Boeing 737 MAX flights in December 2025.
- The 737 MAX 9 variant will operate the majority of these flights, totaling 7,042.
- Top international MAX 9 routes include Los Angeles to Liberia and Cancun.
- Seattle-Tacoma will be a major hub for domestic MAX 9 flights, especially to Anchorage.
- The 737 MAX 8 will operate 1,030 flights, with LAX to Guatemala City as its top international route.
- West Coast corridors, such as Los Angeles to Seattle, will see frequent MAX 8 service.
Alaska Airlines' Growing MAX Fleet
Alaska Airlines currently operates a fleet of 88 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This includes two main variants: the larger MAX 9 and the smaller MAX 8. The airline has also placed additional orders, indicating a long-term commitment to this aircraft family.
According to data from ch-aviation, the 737 MAX 9 is the primary variant in the fleet, with 80 aircraft. These jets have an average age of only three years. Most are active, though a few are undergoing maintenance. One aircraft is no longer in service following a significant incident.
Fleet Snapshot
- Total 737 MAX Aircraft: 88
- 737 MAX 9s: 80 (average age 3 years)
- 737 MAX 8s: 8 (average age 1 year)
- Aircraft on order: 75 (including MAX 8 and MAX 10 variants)
The remaining eight aircraft are 737 MAX 8s, which are even newer, with an average age of just one year. Alaska Airlines has further orders for 12 more MAX 8s and 63 of the stretched MAX 10 variant. This expansion plan shows the airline's strategy to modernize its fleet and increase capacity.
"The 737 MAX family offers environmental performance and flexibility," said Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, in 2022. "Built in our Renton factory near Alaska's headquarters in Washington state, these airplanes will carry passengers to destinations for years to come."
Background on the Boeing 737 MAX
The Boeing 737 MAX is a series of narrow-body aircraft designed for fuel efficiency and passenger comfort. It is an updated version of the popular Boeing 737. The MAX series includes several variants, each offering different capacities and ranges. These aircraft are crucial for many airlines globally, supporting both short-haul and medium-haul routes.
MAX 9 Operations in December 2025
Data from Cirium, an aviation analytics firm, indicates that Alaska Airlines has scheduled 8,072 flights using the Boeing 737 MAX family in December 2025. These flights will offer a total of 1,417,246 seats and 2,598,921,344 available seat miles. The MAX 9, being the most numerous, will handle the largest share of these operations.
Specifically, the 737 MAX 9 is scheduled for 7,042 flights during December. A significant portion of these, 791 flights, will be to or from international destinations. The top international route for the MAX 9 will be from Los Angeles to Liberia, Costa Rica, with 41 scheduled rotations. Cancun, Mexico, will also see frequent MAX 9 service from Los Angeles International Airport.
Key Domestic Routes for the MAX 9
On the domestic front, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will serve as a major hub for Alaska Airlines' 737 MAX 9 flights. The most frequent domestic route for the MAX 9 in December will be between Seattle and Anchorage, with up to seven flights per day. This route is critical for connecting mainland United States with Alaska.
Other busy domestic routes from Seattle for the MAX 9 include services to San Diego, Kona, New York JFK, Newark, Maui, and Phoenix. These routes will generally see more than two flights per day on average. The high frequency on these routes shows the importance of the MAX 9 in linking key cities and popular vacation spots.
The use of the 737 MAX 9 in these diverse locations highlights its versatility. The aircraft can efficiently serve both domestic and international markets. Its capacity makes it suitable for high-demand routes, ensuring that Alaska Airlines can accommodate a large number of travelers during the busy winter season.
MAX 8 Flight Schedules
Alaska Airlines' smaller Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets are scheduled for 1,030 flights in December 2025. Of these, 234 flights will be international. The top international route for the MAX 8 will be from Los Angeles to Guatemala City, with daily service planned. Flights to San Jose, Costa Rica, will also be nearly daily.
MAX 8 Top Domestic Routes (December 2025)
- Los Angeles to Seattle-Tacoma: 26 flights
- Seattle to San Jose: 24 flights
- Portland to San Diego: 20 flights
Domestically, the 737 MAX 8 will be used on many lower-frequency routes. The most frequent domestic corridor for the MAX 8 will connect Los Angeles with Seattle-Tacoma, with 26 flights scheduled for December. This route is part of the busy West Coast corridor, which is a key operating area for Alaska Airlines.
Other significant domestic routes for the MAX 8 include Seattle to San Jose and Portland to San Diego, with 24 and 20 flights respectively. The deployment of MAX 8s on these routes underscores their role in supporting regional travel and connecting major West Coast cities. The smaller capacity of the MAX 8 is well-suited for routes that require efficiency but might not demand the higher seating of the MAX 9.
The strategic deployment of both MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft allows Alaska Airlines to optimize its operations. By matching aircraft size to route demand, the airline can manage costs and offer consistent service across its network. This approach is especially important during peak travel times like the winter holidays.
Future Expansion and Fleet Strategy
Alaska Airlines' continued investment in the Boeing 737 MAX family shows its long-term growth strategy. The remaining orders for 75 additional aircraft, including the MAX 10, will further enhance the airline's capacity and route flexibility in the coming years. The MAX 10, a stretched version, will offer even greater seating capacity, allowing Alaska Airlines to serve high-demand markets more effectively.
The airline's focus on newer aircraft also aligns with environmental goals. The 737 MAX series is known for its improved fuel efficiency compared to older models. This can lead to reduced operational costs and lower carbon emissions, benefiting both the airline and the environment.
As Alaska Airlines prepares for the busy winter travel season, its reliance on the 737 MAX fleet will be critical. The detailed flight schedules for December 2025 demonstrate a clear plan to connect passengers to various destinations, from major domestic hubs to popular international resorts.
