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.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.