The 737 MAX 9 has a typical seating capacity of 178-193 passengers in a two-class layout, while Airbus lists the A321neo's two-class capacity as between 180 and 220 passengers.

The 737 MAX 9 is used as a core aircraft for many of Alaska's popular long-haul markets, while the 737-8 is seen on medium-demand routes and in markets where a little extra range makes the difference.

The Boeing 737 is the best-selling commercial airliner in the history of aviation and the MAX series is its latest iteration, done in a move to make the aircraft serve more people, on longer routes.

An Alaska Airlines 737 Max lost a fuselage piece mid-flight, prompting an NTSB investigation. The NTSB attributes the incident to failures in Boeing's training, guidance, and FAA oversight.