Alaska Air Cargo plans to grow its Boeing 737 freighter fleet to nine aircraft, according to a report by Air Cargo News.

The expansion underscores the Seattle-based carrier's continued commitment to dedicated maindeck freighter capacity, a segment it has built steadily alongside its passenger network. An operator of converted 737 freighters, Alaska Air Cargo uses the type to move freight and express shipments across its network, with particular density on routes serving the US West Coast and Alaska.

Reaching nine 737 freighters would represent a meaningful step up for the cargo arm, which has historically operated a smaller dedicated fleet. The announcement signals confidence in demand for narrowbody freighter capacity on short- and medium-haul lanes, where converted 737s offer a cost-effective alternative to widebody lift for the tonnages involved.

The conversion market for the 737 has been a busy one. Boeing, through its freighter conversion programs, and third-party modifiers have supplied converted 737-700s and -800s to carriers and lessors worldwide as operators seek right-sized freighter capacity following the e-commerce-driven cargo boom. Alaska's move to nine aircraft positions it among the larger North American operators of the type in dedicated cargo service.

For Alaska, freighter growth ties directly to network economics. The 737 freighter shares a type family with the airline's dominant passenger fleet, which simplifies crewing, maintenance and spare-parts economics. That commonality lowers the marginal cost of adding cargo capacity compared with introducing a new aircraft family.

Air Cargo News did not specify in its headline reporting a firm timeline for the fleet expansion or identify the aircraft conversions involved. Additional detail on delivery schedules and the source of the additional freighters is expected to accompany the carrier's fleet planning disclosures.