Alaska Air to acquire 4 cargo jets, base some in Hawaii

Alaska Air will effectively double its freighter capacity next year by adding four leased Boeing 737-800 converted freighters, enabling dedicated cargo flights in Hawaii for the first time. The carrier announced the plan Tuesday evening and said cargo revenue rose to $163 million in the second quarter, up 17% year over year; in the first half, cargo revenue increased 21% to $316 million. Alaska currently operates three Boeing 737-700 converted freighters and two 737-800 passenger-to-freighter aircraft. The new aircraft are expected to enter service in the first half of 2027. Alaska did not name the lessor, but it already leases two 737-800 converted freighters from San Francisco-based Babcock & Brown Aircraft Management. The freighters will be based at Honolulu Airport and operated within Hawaii, painted in Hawaiian Air Cargo livery.