There is speculation that Boeing is about to close a successful 737 MAX deal with Southwest Airlines. The airline already has dozens of MAXs in its fleet and is putting some of them back into service this week. If the reports are correct, the potential multi-billion dollar order will help highlight the remarkable return of the 737 MAX.
Reports suggest that Southwest Airlines is planning to order at least 130 Boeing 737 MAXs
According to a Reuters report by Eric Johnson, Southwest Airlines is in the final stages of negotiations to buy 130 Boeing 737 MAX 7s with options for 170 more. The Reuters report cites unidentified sources close to the deal. Simple Flying approached Southwest Airlines and Boeing for confirmation. Both declined to comment.
If Southwest Airlines approves the order, the deal would be a triumph for Boeing. After two torrid years, things are now looking up for the big aircraft manufacturer. In February, Boeing recorded its first net positive month for aircraft orders since March 2019. So far this year, after cancellations and adjustments to existing orders, Boeing’s order book has grown 34 planes.
Confidence in the 737 MAX peaks
And it is the 737 MAX that is attracting the most interest from Boeing. After two fatal accidents and a 20-month punishment in the United States. The FAA recertified the plane to fly to the United States last November. Many experts speculated whether the plane would return to service during stranding and, if it did, would an airline buy it?
It seems like a resounding yes on both counts. United States airlines have gradually brought the 737 MAX back into service without incident. American Airlines put the plane back in the air just before the New Year. United Airlines resumed 737 MAX flights in mid-February. Alaska Airlines operated its first 737 MAX flight on Monday, March 1. Southwest Airlines is returning the 737 MAX to service today.
In a statement earlier this week, Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said;
“I have complete confidence in our ability to operate the Boeing 737 MAX 8 safely.
“The changes made and the measures taken, literally by thousands of experts around the world, have convinced me that MAX is ready to fly safely once again with our beautiful and proud Southwest uniform and our collective seal of approval. pilots. ”
A remarkable turnaround for Boeing and the 737 MAX
It is this kind of trust that has seen airlines put their money in their pockets and ask for more MAXs. In December, Alaska Airlines increased its orders and MAX options to 120 aircraft. In the same month, Dublin-based Ryanair increased its MAX order from 135 to 210 aircraft. More recently, United Airlines has ordered an additional 25 MAXs and has anticipated the delivery schedule of 45 MAXs already ordered. It is a remarkable turnaround for an aircraft that many experts had ruled out. Boeing, which has persisted with the plane in the face of so much adverse publicity, will welcome business and confidence in MAX.
In the meantime, news that Southwest is close to signing another 737 MAX deal with Boeing will not be as welcome on the other side of the Atlantic. With Southwest looking for new aircraft to replace its old Boeing 737-700, Simple Flying had previously reported that the airline was looking for the Airbus A220. This type of aircraft has a lot in its favor. But Southwest Airlines has always kept things simple and has, for the most part, operated one type of aircraft (the 737) from a single manufacturer. An A220 order from Southwest Airlines would have been a major turning point and a major victory for Airbus.
Do you think Southwest Airlines should stick with the Boeing 737 or try the A220? Post a comment and let us know.