Southwest Airlines committed to add another 108 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as it proceeds to modernize its all-737 fleet. With over 200 of the 737 MAX narrow-bodies in service now, the budget airline has now booked over 500 since ordering its first MAX jet in 2011.
Neither Boeing nor Southwest Airlines indicated the value of the new order, though it could total as much as $10.8 billion based on the listed price for the 737 MAX-7. According to a recent Boeing summary, Southwest Airlines has existing orders in place for 190 MAX 7 aircraft.
"We have a long history with Boeing, dating back more than 50 years to the day we commenced service with three Boeing 737 aircraft serving three cities," stated SWA president and CEO Bob Jordan. "They're part of our history and part of our future as we continue to recognize the many efficiencies and cost savings of a single fleet."
The 737 MAX-7 is the smallest variant of Boeing’s narrow-body series, and reportedly it is on track to receive Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness certification this year, allowing deliveries to begin in early 2024.
As Boeing has noted, the 737 MAX-7 will be capable of flying up to 3,800 nautical miles (4,373 miles / 7,037 km) – the longest range in its class – and carrying up to 172 passengers. And it’s described as more fuel-efficient and quieter than the narrow-body aircraft it will replace.
"With the world's largest all-Boeing, all-737 fleet, Southwest is counting on the exceptional efficiency and reliability of the 737 MAX family," stated Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal. "The 737-7 is pivotal to Southwest's long-term fleet-modernization strategy, and we are honored to have the airline's continued trust in us to deliver its future fleet."
