Airlines Southwest orders 108 additional Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft

Launch customer of the Boeing 737 MAX 7, Southwest Airlines, has increased its commitment to the aircraft type by ordering 108 additional 737-7 aircraft with manufacturer Boeing. The U.S.-American airline already has placed over 300 orders for the MAX 7, which is yet to get type certification by the aviation authorities.

With the new aircraft, Southwest will modernise and expand its fleet to offer more routes to new destinations. The predecessor aircraft Boeing 737-700 has been a workhorse for the airline for decades. The new engines will lead to less fuel and noise.

Southwest Airlines is currently operating an all-Boeing fleet with over 800 737s. The low-cost carrier is flying with 400 Boeing 737-700s, 207 737-800s and 208 737 MAX 8s. This latest order is underlining the strong relationship between the two companies.

"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," explained Bob Jordan, president & Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines. "They're part of our history and part of our future as we continue to recognise the many efficiencies and cost savings of a single fleet."

Boeing has been working on certifying the smallest member of the 737 MAX family for years. After the two fatal crashes due to computer errors, the global MAX fleet was grounded and only released three years after. This led to delays in the certification process for the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10. However, according to industry reports, Boeing is aiming to have the MAX 7 and 10 certified by the end of 2023. Deliveries could start in early 2024.

The MAX 7 has a range of 3,800 nautical miles and can accommodate between 138 and 153 passengers in a two-class configuration. As being a low-cost carrier, Southwest is expected to equip their aircraft in a single-class configuration that allows for up to 172 seats.

Southwest Airlines is a major U.S.-American low-cost airline that was founded in 1967. The carrier holds operational hubs at several airports throughout the United States but has its headquarters in Dallas Love Field.