Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Alaska Airlines has announced the largest aircraft order in its history, placing an order for more than 100 new Boeing aircraft, with options for even more in the years ahead. This significant investment is a clear indicator that Alaska Airlines is financially strong, expanding its global footprint, and planning for long-term growth.
The order includes 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, five Boeing 787-10 widebody aircraft, and options for an additional 35 aircraft. Once delivered, these aircraft will dramatically increase the size and complexity of the Alaska Air Group fleet, which now includes Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, regional carrier Horizon Air, and ground support company McGee Air Services. By 2035, the total fleet is expected to grow to approximately 550 aircraft.
This expansion follows Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines and its stated goal of transforming Seattle into a global gateway, with new long-haul international routes to Asia and Europe already announced. Simply put, Alaska is growing—and growing fast.
For the IAM, this announcement underscores an essential truth: New aircraft mean more maintenance, more technical complexity, and more responsibility for safety-critical work.
The IAM firmly believes that all maintenance work on these aircraft must be performed by IAM-represented mechanics and related employees, the most skilled, highly trained aircraft maintenance professionals in the industry. These are not just assets on a balance sheet; they are aircraft carrying thousands of passengers every day, and their safety depends on the workers who maintain them.
As Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines expand their fleets and global reach, the need for strong, experienced, and unified union representation has never been greater.
This historic aircraft order comes at a pivotal time. Mechanics and related employees at Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are currently engaged in a representation vote that will determine who speaks for them at the bargaining table and on the job.
This decision is not just about today—it’s about the future.
- Who will protect your work as the fleet grows?
- Who will ensure maintenance work stays in-house and is not outsourced?
- Who has the experience to navigate mergers, fleet expansion, and long-term workforce planning?
- Who will put safety, job security, and professionalism first?
The IAM has a long, proven track record of doing exactly that.
The IAM believes that a growing airline should mean stable careers, strong safety standards, and a voice for the workers who keep the aircraft flying. Voting IAM is a vote for a secure future, not only for mechanics and related employees, but for the traveling public who depend on properly maintained aircraft every single day.
As Alaska Airlines invests billions in new aircraft and global expansion, mechanics and related employees deserve a union with the strength, experience, and resources to ensure that growth benefits the workforce as much as the company.
Now is the time.
Now is the moment.
Vote IAM—for your future and for aviation safety.
Sincerely and fraternally,
John M. Coveny, Jr.
President/Directing General Chair