Why Alaska Airlines Picked A 25-Year-Old Boeing Design To Replace Hawaiian's 717 Fleet

Alaska Airlines has selected a Boeing 717 aircraft, originally designed in 1998, to fulfill its plan of replacing Hawaiian’s entire 717 fleet. This decision stems from a pragmatic assessment focused on immediate operational needs and cost considerations rather than technological advancements. Both the Alaska and Hawaiian fleets currently operate with aircraft that are approximately 25 years old. The choice prioritizes rapid deployment and minimizing disruption during this transition phase. Ultimately, Alaska aims to bolster its short-haul network capacity efficiently using readily available equipment.