Aviation
Peek inside Alaska Airlines’ first 737-800 retrofit
Alaska Airlines 737-800 has finished interior renovations
The initial Alaska Airlines 737-800 has finished interior renovations and is once more prepared to transport passengers. The forward bulkhead wall and carpeted cabin partitions are no longer present. They are being replaced by muted blue, beige, and grey tones.
Excited to welcome our first retrofitted 737-800 back into the @AlaskaAir fleet!
• Updated seat design
• Updated cabin dividers
• Updated bulkhead
• LED Lighting pic.twitter.com/UTlV6XhnA5— Christopher Dela Rosa (@cjdelarosa65) November 21, 2022
In the economy class, the new Recaro seats have an integrated PED holder. The power outlet is still conveniently located beneath the tray table, where it is visible to and usable by passengers.
Although the jets have not been completely changed to the current Boeing Sky Interior design, new deliveries do feature the revised design. LED mood lighting is now a component of the cabin. The previous overhead dumpsters remain in place as well.
My favorite addition to the fleet. Seatback device holders. No more creative phone propping to enjoy our 1,000+ free movies & tv shows. pic.twitter.com/eXa6hY9P8W
— Christopher Dela Rosa (@cjdelarosa65) November 21, 2022
There was an immediate need to replace the old interiors. But Alaska Airlines has never really been about introducing a dazzling product to the market. These aircraft, in fact, are arguably even less flashy than the previous retrofits and new deliveries the carrier has received; the seats are monochrome rather than showcasing a little bit of variance in the fabrics.
However, given the 737-800 fleet’s potentially limited remaining lifespan – the carrier is already aggressively transitioning to the 737 MAX family – the long-term value of a more unique or personalised cabin may not be worth the investment.
