Southwest converts options and firm MAX-orders

On 28 July 2023, Southwest Airlines announced in a filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission that it has decided to firm-up options for 30 Boeing B737-7s. At the same time, the low-cost airline decided to swap orders for 24 B737-7s into B737-8s.

The decision to swap to the larger MAX is mainly driven by the announcement of Boeing that delivery of a first B737-7 has now been postponed to 2024 due to a delay with the type's certification. Southwest hopes that it will take delivery of its first B737-7 next year but is ready to take on more B737-8s to cover for additional delays.

Today, Southwest Airlines' MAX-fleet consists of 195 B737-8s. Next to these, the company also flies with 406 B737-700s and 207 B737-800s.

Photo by Woodys Aeroimages.