Southwest Airlines Enhances Modernization Efforts with an Order of 108 Additional Boeing 737 MAX Jets

SEATTLE, Oct. 26, 2023 – Southwest Airlines is fortifying its fleet modernization strategy with a fresh order of 108 Boeing 737-7s from the acclaimed 737 MAX family. This decision underscores the airline's commitment to fuel efficiency and operational excellence.

Southwest Airlines and Boeing share a partnership that has thrived for over five decades.

Recollecting the early days of this alliance, Bob Jordan, President & Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines remarked, "Our association with Boeing goes back to our formative years when we started operations with just three Boeing 737 aircraft linking three cities. This long-standing relationship is emblematic of our trust in Boeing's ability to deliver both efficiency and reliability, key factors that drive our preference for a singular fleet type."

The 737 series, with its fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness, has been instrumental in propelling Southwest's expansive growth. This new order pushes Southwest's commitment to the 737-7 variant past the 300 mark, and cumulatively, the airline has now secured orders for over 500 units from the 737 MAX series. Upon receiving the necessary certifications, these 737-7s will seamlessly join Southwest's exclusively Boeing 737 fleet.

Expressing gratitude for Southwest's continued allegiance, Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said, "Southwest, which operates the world's most extensive all-Boeing 737 fleet, has always emphasized the unmatched efficiency and reliability of the 737 MAX series. Their faith in the 737-7 as a vital component of their fleet modernization strategy is deeply appreciated, and we're honoured to play a pivotal role in their vision for the future."

The 737-7 stands out in its class, boasting a range of up to 3,800 nautical miles and comfortably accommodating up to 172 passengers. Notably, the 737 MAX series signifies a significant leap in environmental stewardship, offering carriers the advantage of reduced fuel consumption when contrasted with older-generation aircraft. In addition to its eco-friendly attributes, the 737 MAX is designed to operate with a notably reduced noise footprint, which is a significant improvement over the jets it aims to replace.