Southwest Airlines Places Order for New Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft

Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced today they have ordered 150 new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes.  Southwest is Boeing’s first customer for the new 737 variant and the airlines holds the world's largest fleet of 737s.

"Southwest is a special Boeing customer and has been a true partner in the evolution of the 737," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh. "Throughout our 40-year relationship, our two companies have collaborated to launch the 737-300, 737-500 and the Next-Generation 737-700 – affirming the 737 as the world's preferred single-aisle airplane. As launch customer for the 737 MAX, Southwest, Boeing and the 737 continue that legacy."

Boeing says the new 737 MAX is more fuel-efficient than its previous 737 models.

"Today's environment demands that we become more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly, and as the launch Customer of the Boeing 737 MAX, we have accomplished both," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO. "We are teaming up with our friends from Boeing to lead the industry in a way that makes both our shareholders and our Customers proud to associate with Southwest Airlines. Today's announcement will allow us to maintain our position as a low-cost provider in the years ahead."

The first 737 MAX planes will be delivered in 2017 as Southwest will start to phase out some of the older planes in its fleet.

Southwest Airlines serves numerous airports across Texas including Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, Dallas Love Field and Houston Hobby.