Based on the linked source; automatically prepared and checked against the original report.
A different seat orientation
Alaska’s Aurora Suites for the Boeing 737-10 MAX will use a reverse-herringbone arrangement, with seats facing the window rather than the aisle. The source argues this orientation can make movement between an aisle chair and the aircraft seat easier than transferring into a narrow, aisle-facing pod. Competitors including JetBlue, American and United have used aisle-facing herringbone seats on narrow-body aircraft.
What Alaska plans
Aurora is Alaska’s branding for its premium seats and service. On the 737-10 MAX, the product will be sold as first class and will mark the airline’s first fully flat beds on a single-aisle aircraft. At least 25 aircraft are expected to receive 12 suites each, arranged across six rows, with direct aisle access, large entertainment screens and charging options.
Accessibility remains unresolved
The aircraft are expected to begin flying in 2028, initially on routes linking the West Coast and New York. Alaska will use Elevate Aircraft Seating’s single-aisle Ascent seat. The source says the design appears to omit the sliding door used on American’s version, although its wall remains. It calls for sturdy armrests, a retractable wall, wheelchair-user testing, staff training and an accessible lavatory before judging the suite a success.
