Southwest Airlines has today placed a significant order for Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft. The US low-cost airline has ordered 100 737 MAX jets, alongside options for 155 more. The deal increases Southwest’s MAX commitment to more than 600 aircraft, split between the 737 MAX 8 and MAX 7 variants.
Southwest retains commitment to an all-Boeing fleet
Southwest Airlines has reaffirmed its commitment to Boeing and the beleaguered 737 MAX today, placing the largest order since the type’s ungrounding at the end of 2020. The airline has made a firm order for 100 airplanes, in addition to placing options for 155 additional jets.
Gary Kelly, Southwest’s chairman and CEO commented,
“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.”
Southwest has been mulling what to replace its aging 737-700s with, and had been rumored to be considering the Airbus A220 as a fit for the 140-150 seat niche. However, today’s deal confirms that Southwest remains committed to Boeing and that this smaller aircraft need will be met by the 737 MAX 7.
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