Southwest Airlines (WN, Dallas Love Field) has ordered a further 108 B737-7s, solidifying the carrier's position as a dominant future operator of the yet-to-be-certified B737 MAX variant.
The commitment increases Southwest's overall order book for the -7 to 300 aircraft. The carrier and Boeing did not disclose the delivery timeline for the jets. The smallest variant of the B737 MAX Family is not expected to certify before mid-2024.
The only other confirmed customers for the B737-7 are Allegiant Air (24 aircraft, after a recent conversion of six to B737-8-200s), Luxair (four), Ruili Airlines, and SkyUp Airlines (two each), the ch-aviation fleets module shows.
The LCC already operates 207 B737-8s with firm orders for a further 201. The MAX 7s will replace its fleet of 406 B737-700s, while the larger -8s are replacing 207 B737-800s. The airline said it would be taking the -8s until the -7s are certified, benefitting from the flexibility of its Boeing order book.
