Two Signs the Aviation Industry is Finding Its Groove Again
I saw some encouraging news that caught my attention the kind that makes you think we might finally be seeing the industry shake off some of those post pandemic blues. Boeing’s getting their delivery rhythm back, and Alaska Air Group just made a pretty smart fleet decision that shows they’re thinking long term about their post-Hawaiian merger strategy.
Boeing’s Production Line is Actually Working
Let’s start with Boeing, because honestly, any good news from Seattle these days feels worth celebrating. The latest data shows they delivered 43 aircraft in July nothing earth-shattering, but here’s what matters: 32 of those were 737 MAX aircraft, and they’re actually burning through inventory while slowly ramping production back up.
For those keeping score at home, Boeing has been dealing with a perfect storm of quality issues, regulatory scrutiny, and supply chain hiccups. But July’s numbers suggest they’re finding their footing. They’re not just delivering planes that have been sitting around waiting for fixes – they’re showing real production stability on both the 737 MAX and 787 programs.
The real test will be whether they can sustain this momentum and get regulatory approval to increase 737 MAX production rates. But seeing consistent monthly deliveries gives me hope that the worst might be behind them. Airlines need planes, and Boeing needs to deliver them. It’s as simple as that.
Alaska Makes a Capacity Play That Actually Makes Sense
Speaking of deliveries, Alaska Air Group just pulled a move that shows they’re thinking strategically about their Hawaiian Airlines acquisition. They’ve converted five Boeing 787-9 orders to the larger 787-10 variant trading some range for significantly more seats.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive at first. The 787-9 can fly farther, which sounds perfect for a carrier serving Hawaii and planning European routes. But here’s why Alaska’s decision is actually pretty clever:
The 787-10 can still easily handle flights from Seattle to Tokyo, Seoul, London, and Rome, all routes Alaska has planned or announced. What it can’t do is reach some of the more exotic long-haul destinations, but Alaska isn’t trying to be Emirates here. They’re building a focused international network from Seattle, and the 787-10’s economics are better for high-demand routes.
More importantly, the larger aircraft allows them to introduce that premium economy cabin they’ve been talking about. In today’s market, having a proper three-class configuration can make or break your revenue on international routes. Business class pays the bills, but premium economy fills the gaps.
What This All Means for Travelers
Here’s the bottom line for those of us who actually fly on these planes:
Boeing’s delivery improvements should eventually translate to more aircraft availability, which typically means more competitive pricing and better schedules. Airlines have been dealing with aircraft shortages for years now, and every plane that rolls off the production line helps ease that pressure.
Alaska’s fleet decisions signal they’re serious about making Seattle a legitimate international gateway. That’s good news if you’re on the West Coast and tired of connecting through San Francisco or Los Angeles for international flights. Competition drives better service, and Alaska has been known to punch above their weight in customer experience.
The 787-10 also means more award seats should eventually be available on Alaska’s international routes, since they’ll have more total seats to fill.
Looking Ahead
Both of these stories point to an industry that’s finally getting its act together after years of disruption. Boeing is delivering planes more consistently, and airlines are making smart long-term fleet decisions rather than just trying to survive until next quarter.
Of course, we’re still not out of the woods entirely. Boeing needs to prove they can sustain this production rate and get regulatory approval for increases. Alaska needs to actually execute on their international expansion plans and figure out how to compete against the big guys on global routes.
But for the first time in a while, I’m feeling cautiously optimistic about where the industry is headed. Sometimes the best news isn’t the flashy headlines – it’s the steady progress that suggests everyone’s learning from their mistakes and building something sustainable.
Now if we could just get more airlines to figure out that premium economy thing…
What do you think about Alaska’s strategy to upsize their Dreamliner orders? Are you planning to try their new international routes when they launch? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
