Southwest Airlines has placed an order for 100 Boeing 737-7 and 737 MAX-8 aircraft with options for up to 155 more, bringing their total commitment to the type to over 600 jets. The order stabilizes Boeing’s largest commercial program and provides certainty for suppliers.
On Monday (March 29, 2021), Boeing announced that Southwest Airlines has placed an order for 100 Boeing 737-7 MAX aircraft with options for up to 155 more. The option includes Boeing 737-7 MAX aircraft and the larger 737-8 model. Today's order reaffirms Southwest’s faith in the aircraft the type, bringing their commitment to 349 firm orders and 270 options through 2031, providing stability to Boeing’s largest commercial jet program and their suppliers. Southwest Airlines has conducted a multi-year fleet evaluation to explore options to replace the largest component of their fleet, the 140-150 passenger Boeing 737-700. Today’s order confirms that the airline’s preferred replacement and growth airplane will be the Boeing 737-7 MAX, which will complement the 737-8s, which will be configured for 175 passengers.
In Monday’s announcement, Southwest Airlines’ Chairman and CEO, Gary Kelly, said,
“Southwest Airlines has been operating the Boeing 737 series for nearly 50 years, and the aircraft has made significant contributions to our unparalleled success. Today’s commitment to the 737 MAX solidifies our continued appreciation for the aircraft and confirms our plans to offer the Boeing 737 series of aircraft to our Employees and Customers for years to come. We are proud to continue our tradition of being the world’s largest operator of an all-Boeing fleet.”
Also commenting on the new aircraft order, Southwest Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, Mike Van de Ven, said,
“In addition to supporting our efforts to operate sustainably and efficiently, the 737 MAX offers Employees and Customers travel comforts such as a quieter cabin, larger overhead bin spaces, seating with adjustable headrests, and more galley space for onboard service.”
Further speaking on Southwest’s commitment to the 737, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President and CEO, Stan Deal, added,
“Southwest Airlines has long been a leader and bellwether for the airline industry and this order is a big vote of confidence for commercial air travel. As vaccine distribution continues to pick-up, people are returning to the skies and fueling hopes for a full recovery and renewed growth across our industry. We are deeply honored by Southwest’s continuing trust in Boeing and the 737. Their fleet decision today brings more stability for our biggest commercial program and will ensure that our entire 737 family will be building new airplanes for Southwest for years to come.”
Both of the 737 MAX models ordered by Southwest today offer at least a 14 percent reduction in fuel burn and carbon emissions compared to the airplanes they will replace, helping the airline to maintain the operational efficiency of their all 737 fleet to support their low-cost point-to-point network. As part of today’s agreement, Southwest will expand their use of Boeing’s digital solutions to support their MAX fleet including Airplane Health Management, Maintenance Performance Toolbox and digital navigation charting tools.
The Boeing 737 MAX Family of aircraft are designed and built in Renton, Washington and offer superior efficiency, flexibility and reliability for the single-aisle market. The 737-7 has a range of 3,850 nautical miles, offering the longest range in the MAX Family and 1,000 more miles than its predecessor. The MAX 7 derivative can seat up to 172 passengers, while the Boeing 737-8 MAX offers a maximum of 210 seats and has a range of up to 3,550 nautical miles. All MAX aircraft include Boeing’s Sky Interior which features modern sculpted sidewalls and window reveals, LED lighting and larger pivoting overhead bins.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and will continue investing in their people for future growth.
Source(s): Boeing, Southwest Airlines