Allegiant Air To Expand Fleet, Exercises Options For 6 New Boeing 737 MAX 8s Worth $720 Million

Credit: Jillian Cain Photography | Shutterstock Published Nov 6, 2026, 2:01 PM EST Journalist – Aaron is an aviation and travel journalist with 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. His background spans airport operations, aviation infrastructure, and travel consulting, having worked with global organizations across New Zealand, Europe, and North America. Combining industry expertise with firsthand travel experience across more than 52 countries and five continents, Aaron covers airlines, airports, aviation policy, and the wider travel sector. He is based in Canterbury, New Zealand. His work has been published in Simple Flying and featured by MSN, SAM CHUI Aviation & Travel, EIN News, Pakistan Defence, and Climate Depot. Sign in to your Simple Flying account US ultra-low-cost carrier Allegiant Air has exercised options to obtain an six additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. This will support the airline's extended fleet renewal and marks a move from the carrier, which has historically relied on Airbus narrowbodies before its pivot to Boeing for larger new-generation aircraft. As analyzed by Air Data News, the new aircraft for Allegiant are expected to be delivered in 2028 and will become the first aircraft delivered through the purchase agreement between Allegiant and Boeing. Allegiant initially increased its firm commitment to 56 jets, of which 22 have already been delivered. Allegiant Air Will Replace Its Aging Airbus Fleet With The Boeing 737 MAX Credit: Stephen Coughlan | Shutterstock Allegiant holds options for up to 74 MAX aircraft, which will allow the Las Vegas-based airline the ability to gradually replace its aging Airbus fleet across the next decade. The total cost of the six jets that will make their way to Allegiant in 2028 has a combined list price of up to $720 million. The actual purchase price is likely to be considerably lower and has not been disclosed to the public. As a long-time Airbus operator, Allegiant's transition to the 737 MAX is unusual among US budget airlines. Allegiant historically has built its network and operations around the Airbus A319 and A320; however, when considering its latest investment in new aircraft, the airline switched to the US-manufactured 737 MAX narrowbody. This decision came after the airline approached both manufacturers for proposals in 2021, and the deal was ultimately signed with Boeing in January 2022. Simple Flying reached out to Allegiant Air for comment on its latest exercised options for six additional MAX 8 aircraft; however, an airline spokesperson could not be reached. Operating With The High-Density 737 MAX 8-200 Credit: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock Since its first delivery in September 2024, Allegiant now operates a total of 22 MAX 8-200 aircraft, which is a high-density, high-capacity version of the MAX 8. This design is specifically for low-cost carriers and has a higher-than-usual seating capacity with space for up to 200 passengers; Allegiant has it configured for up to 190 passengers. To legally fit extra seats on the MAX 8 airframe, additional mid-cabin emergency exits are installed behind the wing, and this has made the sub-variant popular with budget airlines. Ryanair is the largest operator of the type and has named the MAX 8-200 as game-changing. Other low-cost operators include Akasa Air, Vietjet Air, and Arajet. Advantages Of The MAX 8 For Allegiant Air Credit: Marco Menezes | Shutterstock For Allegiant, its transition to this aircraft is unique, being the only US low-cost carrier to transition its fleet away from the Airbus family of planes to the MAX instead. The advantages of operating this aircraft extend beyond just additional seating capacity. The airline has boasted that the jets offer lower fuel consumption and improved operational reliability, while having a longer depreciable life than new aircraft. Allegiant Air merged with Sun Country Airlines earlier this year, which saw the combination of a substantial 737-800 fleet from Sun Country. The two airlines continue to operate as separate airlines; it is expected that the two airlines will move to a single operating certificate in 2028.