Alaska Airlines (AS, Seattle Tacoma International) is planning to convert two more Boeing narrowbodies to freighters but is struggling to secure a go ahead internally due to the impact of the B737 MAX grounding on the carrier, Cargo Facts has reported.
The carrier currently operates three B737-700(F)s, converted from Alaska Airlines' own passenger aircraft. Its cargo division would like to add larger narrowbody freighters, namely -800(F)s, but has difficulties obtaining feedstock inside the company.
As it stands, the carrier will most likely initially convert another -700 (of which Alaska Airlines operates eleven in passenger configuration) before adding the first -800(F). Managing Director Torque Zubeck said that the airline was targeting to add the fourth -700(F) within the next 12-18 months.
Alaska Airlines currently operates the three freighters on routes within Alaska and to Seattle Tacoma International. With the addition of more freighters, it will look to expand its cargo network to more destinations outside Seattle and Alaska.
According to the ch-aviation fleets module, Alaska Airlines currently operates sixty-one B737-800s. The airline has thirty-two B737-9s on firm order from Boeing, although it did not take any before the type's grounding in March 2019.