Alaska Airlines has announced long-term lease agreements for four Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter (BCF) aircraft, expanding its dedicated cargo fleet from five to nine freighters. The additional aircraft are expected to enter service during the first half of 2027 and will be deployed in Alaska and Hawai’i. Aircraft based in Hawai’i are planned to operate under the Hawaiian Air Cargo livery. According to the airline, the fleet expansion will double its dedicated cargo capacity, improve service reliability and provide greater flexibility across its cargo network. The added capacity is also expected to strengthen supply chains linking Alaska and Hawai’i with the contiguous United States while supporting e-commerce, logistics and the transportation of essential goods. “Expanding our cargo fleet with dedicated aircraft helps us accomplish both goals, opening up new international shipping opportunities for seafood and other commodities, while making sure we can reliably ship time-sensitive goods that our communities need, such as medicine, household supplies and groceries,” said Ian Morgan, Vice President of Cargo at Alaska Airlines. The airline said the investment forms part of its Alaska Accelerate strategic plan, under which cargo is expected to generate an additional US$150 million in annual profit as Alaska and Hawaiian integrate their cargo operations and expand international services from Seattle. Alaska Air Cargo currently transports more than 370 million pounds of cargo annually to over 100 destinations across North America, Europe, Asia and the Pacific. The post Alaska Airlines to double cargo fleet with four additional freighters appeared first on Container News .