Alaska Airlines announced at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh with Boeing that the aircraft Alaska Airlines operates with the Boeing Sky Interior will receive more spacious Space Bins within the coming year.

The airline plans to modify 34 aircraft, mostly Boeing 737-900ERs, and is the launch customer for Boeing’s retrofit Space Bing program.

Mark Eliasen, treasurer and vice president of finance for Alaska Airlines, explains the reasoning behind the modification. “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 percent of our new jets with Space Bins and retrofitting all of our existing 737-900ERs.”

The program was launched last year with Boeing last year and half of the fleet will be outfitted with Space Bins by 2017.

Comparison of a typical luggage overhead bin (left) and the new Space Bins (right)

The Space Bins will be able to stow 6 bags, which is 2 more than the current pivot bins installed with the Boeing Sky Interior.

By the end of the year, Alaska Airlines will have nearly 30 Space Bin outfitted aircraft in service.

Feature photo by Woodys Aeroimages.