Allegiant Air has exercised options for six additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, extending a fleet renewal that is rapidly changing an airline that relied exclusively on Airbus narrowbodies before choosing Boeing for its first large order for new-generation jets.
The six aircraft are scheduled for delivery in 2028 and represent the first options exercised under Allegiant’s purchase agreement with Boeing. They increase the firm commitment to 56 aircraft, of which 22 had been delivered as of October 23, according to a regulatory filing by parent Allegiant Travel Company.
Allegiant retains options for another 74 MAX aircraft, giving the Las Vegas-based carrier considerable room to continue replacing its Airbus fleet or expand in the coming years.
The six jets have a combined list price of more than US$720 million, although the actual purchase price is lower and was not disclosed. Aviation consultancy IBA estimates their market value at approximately US$351 million based on the planned 2028 delivery date, according to Reuters.
From Airbus to Boeing
The latest commitment continues an unusual transition among major US low-cost carriers. Allegiant built its current narrowbody operation around first-generation Airbus A319s and A320s but selected the 737 MAX when it decided to make a large investment in new aircraft.
The airline approached manufacturers for proposals during 2021 and ultimately signed an agreement with Boeing for 50 newly manufactured MAX aircraft. The deal was announced in January 2022 and was later amended to increase the number of available options to 80.
Allegiant had only four MAX aircraft in service at the beginning of February 2025, compared with 119 A319s and A320s. By February 2026, the Boeing fleet had grown to 16 aircraft, while the number of Airbus narrowbodies had fallen to 106.
Deliveries have continued at a rapid pace. Allegiant received its first 737 MAX 8-200 in September 2024 and had taken 22 aircraft by October 23, 2026.
That transition stands apart from the fleet strategies followed by several other US low-cost carriers. Spirit Airlines, Frontier Airlines and JetBlue Airways built their narrowbody fleets around Airbus aircraft, while Allegiant chose the MAX to replace aircraft from its existing A320-family fleet.
The decision has survived significant disruption. Allegiant originally expected its first MAX in 2023, but Boeing delivery delays pushed the arrival into 2024 and forced the airline to revise its fleet plan. The original 50-aircraft order is now scheduled to be completed by the end of 2027.
190 seats instead of 210
Allegiant operates the high-density 737 MAX 8-200, but it does not use the maximum capacity available on the variant. Its aircraft are configured with 190 seats, compared with a certified maximum of 210 passengers for the MAX 8-200.
The configuration provides a relatively modest increase over Allegiant’s main A320 layout, which accommodates 180 passengers. The carrier also operates a small and declining number of 177-seat A320s and 156-seat A319s.
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Allegiant expects the MAX to provide advantages beyond additional capacity. The company has cited lower fuel consumption, improved operational reliability and the longer depreciable life of new aircraft as reasons the purchase fits its low-cost model.
That represents a significant change from a business model historically built around opportunistic purchases of inexpensive second-hand aircraft. Of the 106 Airbus narrowbodies in Allegiant’s fleet in February 2026, 93 had been acquired used.
The airline has said that owning new MAX aircraft can produce ownership costs comparable to its traditional used-aircraft strategy when their longer service life is considered, while lower fuel and maintenance costs can improve the economics of individual routes.
Merge with Sun Country
The expansion is taking place during a difficult period for the US low-cost sector, which has faced pressure from higher costs and changes in domestic travel demand. Spirit Airlines entered bankruptcy proceedings, while several carriers have adjusted capacity and fleet plans.
The fleet renewal is also taking place as Allegiant integrates Sun Country Airlines, which it acquired in May 2026. The combination brought a substantial Boeing 737-800 fleet into the group, along with Sun Country’s scheduled passenger, charter and cargo operations.
Allegiant and Sun Country continue to operate as separate airlines while the integration proceeds. Allegiant has applied to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a single operating certificate, which it currently expects to obtain in 2028, when the six newly ordered MAX aircraft are also scheduled to arrive.
