Alaska Airlines is entering long-term lease agreements for four additional Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter aircraft, taking its dedicated freighter fleet from five to nine. The carrier said the extra capacity will effectively double its cargo lift, with the new aircraft expected to enter service in the first half of 2027.
The freighters will be dedicated to Alaska and Hawai‘i, and the Hawai‘i-based aircraft are planned to operate in Hawaiian Air Cargo livery. Industry coverage indicates the additional aircraft are leased ex-WestJet 737-800BCFs scheduled for delivery in 2027, although Alaska has not disclosed the lease counterparties or the final tail allocations.
The expansion comes as Alaska Air Group continues to integrate Hawaiian Airlines assets and branding, including dedicated cargo flying in Hawai‘i under the new structure. The added freighter capacity is intended to support markets with heavy logistical demands, particularly island and long-distance shipping flows.