15 Jan 2026
#2 January 2026: North American Aviation Newsletter
Alaska Airlines Announces Largest Fleet Order in Airline’s History
Alaska Airlines has announced a landmark order for 05 new 737-10 aircraft and five new 787 aircraft, exercising all options previously held for the 787. The order, which includes rights for an additional 35 737-10 aircraft, represents the largest fleet order in the airline’s history. With this expansion, Alaska Air Group’s fleet will grow to over 475 aircraft by 2030 and more than 550 by 2035. CEO Ben Minicucci said this investment supports the airline’s steady, scalable growth strategy and will ensure the airline continues to offer the most fuel-efficient, state-of-the-art aircraft to its passengers.
Avelo Airlines Simplifies Its Network and Fleet
Avelo Airlines has announced a simplification of its network and fleet as part of its ongoing strategic growth. The airline is consolidating its operations around four key bases: New Haven, Philadelphia, Charlotte/Concord, and Central Florida/Lakeland. Additionally, Avelo will open a new base in Dallas/McKinney, Texas, in late 2026. As part of its fleet optimisation, Avelo will remove six Boeing 737-700 aircraft, leaving the airline primarily operating more efficient Boeing 737-800s. These changes will allow Avelo to focus on sustainable scaling of its core bases and prepare for future growth, supported by its recent order for up to 100 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft.
BeauTech Power Systems and Porter Airlines Complete Sale and Leaseback of Six PW1900 Engines
BeauTech Power Systems and Porter Airlines have completed a multi-engine sale and leaseback (SLB) transaction involving six Pratt & Whitney PW1900-series engines. The engines, which were delivered new from Pratt & Whitney to Porter Aircraft Leasing Corp. (PALC), were immediately sold to BeauTech and leased back to PALC for long-term operational use by Porter Airlines. The SLB agreement will support Porter’s growing Embraer E195-E2 fleet by providing reliable engine capacity, while also optimising capital allocation across the airline’s fleet. BeauTech CEO Lee Beaumont said, “This transaction supports Porter’s growth with a dependable engine solution and strengthens our ongoing partnership.”
Acumen’s Take
On Alaska Airlines’ Fleet Expansion
Alaska Airlines’ fleet order highlights its strategy for sustainable growth through fleet modernisation. With the 737 MAX family and the 787, Alaska is positioning itself to meet both domestic and international demand with cutting-edge, fuel-efficient aircraft. This order positions Alaska for long-term competitiveness and resilience in the evolving aviation market.
On Avelo’s Network and Fleet Simplification
Avelo’s decision to simplify its network and fleet is a smart move for operational efficiency. Streamlining its fleet to primarily focus on the 737-800 will improve economics while expanding key hubs. This also sets the stage for a stronger regional presence with a focus on sustainable growth in the U.S. domestic market.
On BeauTech and Porter’s PW1900 Engine SLB
The sale and leaseback of PW1900 engines marks a strategic move to enhance fleet reliability while maintaining capital efficiency. By securing long-duration engine solutions for its Embraer E195-E2 fleet, Porter ensures its operational growth is supported by dependable and efficient powerplants, which is essential as it scales its narrowbody operations.
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