Southwest Airlines places massive 737 MAX order, fleet to remain all-Boeing
"If it's not Boeing, I'm not going," reads the popular slogan for many fans of the Chicago-based planemaker.
Boeing loyalists who follow that mantra can continue flying Southwest well into the next decade, as the airline announced a massive order for additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft on Monday.
To start, Southwest will accelerate the retirement of the legacy Boeing 737-700 aircraft, and replace it with 100 next-generation 737 MAX 7 planes. The carrier is slated to become the launch carrier for the MAX 7 variant of Boeing's beleaguered jet, with the first 30 scheduled to be delivered in 2022.
Monday's announcement also includes an additional 155 options for more MAX 7 or MAX 8 aircraft from 2022 to 2029, depending on demand and growth opportunities throughout the decade. The announcement gives Southwest a total of:
- 349 MAX firm orders (200 MAX 7 and 149 MAX 8)
- 270 MAX options for MAX 7 or MAX 8 aircraft for years 2021 through 2031
Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said in a statement that "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."
Of the MAXes operated in the U.S., Southwest offers one of the more comfortable onboard experiences. American Airlines has crammed up to 172 seats in its densified MAX 8 jets, and many flyers complain about the tight coach configuration, with 30 inches of pitch.
On the other hand, Southwest fits 175 seats on its MAX 8 — but it's in an all-coach arrangement with 32 to 33 inches of pitch.
MAX is back: Southwest has no plans to rebrand the Boeing 737 MAX
Southwest's confidence in the MAX is a big boost to Boeing, following the plane's nearly two-year grounding after two fatal crashes that took 346 lives. The crashes were largely blamed on faulty sensors and the flight-control management software.
To recertify the MAX, all jets must undergo a four-hour software update to the automated flight control system, dubbed the "MCAS" or maneuvering characteristics augmentation system. Additionally, all pilots must complete a two-hour simulator-based training exercise that runs through all types of emergencies, including a stall, runaway trim, go-around, incorrect angle-of-attack reading and more.
More: A pilot and mechanic explain what's needed to bring the 737 MAX back
Southwest became the last U.S. carrier to restart flying the MAX on March 11, following American Airlines in December 2020, United Airlines in February 2021 and Alaska Airlines on March 1.
But Southwest's move doesn't just bolster confidence in the MAX. It's also a big win for Boeing — Southwest has historically had an all-Boeing fleet.
However, in recent months, the airline was reportedly in talks with Boeing's arch-rival, Airbus for possible 737 replacements, including the Airbus A220. Of course, those discussions could have been part of a broader effort to secure a better deal with Boeing. Whatever the case, Boeing ultimately won.
"We are proud to continue our tradition of being the world's largest operator of an all-Boeing fleet," Kelly's statement concluded.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees