August 1, 2016 – Boeing and Alaska Airlines have announced today that the airline will begin modifying in-service Boeing Sky Interior 737 aircraft with more spacious Space Bins during the coming year.
Alaska Airlines is the launch customer for Boeing’s retrofit Space Bin program (Space Bins are available for retrofit on in-service Next-Generation B737s, and as an optional feature on in-production Next-Generation B737s and B737 MAXs).
In total, the airline plans to modify 34 aircraft – primarily B737-900ERs (Extended Range) – with the new overhead bins, which Boeing claim increase the room for carry-on baggage by up to 50%, depending on the airline’s configuration.
Mark Eliasen, treasurer and vice president of finance at Alaska Airlines stated, “Many passengers want to keep a bag in the cabin and Boeing’s Space Bins make it possible for virtually everyone to stow a wheeled suitcase. That’s why Alaska is thrilled to be equipping 100% of our new jets with Space Bins and retrofitting all of our existing B737-900ERs.”
Alaska Airlines launched Boeing’s in-production Space Bins program last year and by 2017, will have around 30 B737s in its fleet outfitted with Space Bins.
Mike Fleming, vice president of Boeing Fleet Services added, “By providing our customers with a retrofit option for the Space Bins, we are allowing long-time B737 customers, like Alaska Airlines, the ability to keep their entire fleet current.”
Boeing’s Space Bin stows six bags, two more than the current pivot bins installed on Next-Generation 737s with the Boeing Sky Interior. That’s based on a standard size carry-on bag measuring 9in x 14in x 22in (23cm x 36cm x 56cm). When opened, the bottom edge of a Space Bin hangs about 2in (5cm) lower, so travelers can lift their carry-on bags more easily.
