Industry Southwest Airlines orders 100 Boeing 737 MAX jets

Boeing and Southwest Airlines have announced, that the Low-Cost carrier has signed a purchase agreement with the manufacturer over 100 new 737 MAX aircraft. The orders include two variants of the 737 MAX.

Additionally, Southwest will also hold 155 purchase rights for more aircraft in the future. This latest deal raises the carrier´s commitment to the MAX Family to more than 600 possible jets between the 737-7 and the larger 737-8.

Over the course of the next 20 years, the 600 possible aircraft will be manufactured and delivered to the customer. This order comes after an market and fleet evaluation by Southwest. The airline seeks to modernize its fleet to make the travel experience for customers better and to save costs.

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.”

“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,” added Mike Van de Ven, Southwest’s chief operating officer.

Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: “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.”

The firm order book for Southwest now amounts to 200 737-7s and 180 737-8, of which 30 have already been delivered. For either of the two models, 270 purchase options will be available to the carrier.