Insight – Southwest’s Fleet Challenge

Southwest Airlines had a challenging 2022, including an IT system meltdown during a major storm that stranded many travelers.  But that isn’t the only challenge Southwest faces.  Their next challenge is taking delivery of the long-overdue 737 MAX 7 to replace the 737-700, the mainstay of their fleet.

The following chart shows the recent evolution of Southwest’s fleet.  The carrier has been taking about one new 737 MAX 8 per week over the last two years while waiting for the plane it wants, the MAX 7.  Congressional legislation eliminated a requirement for a new crew alerting system that would have gone into effect in late December 2022, and the 737 MAX 7 is now on track for certification in mid-2023.  This is not a moment too soon for Southwest, which wants the smaller MAX.  Their existing 737-700 fleet is aging, averaging 17.7 years, and has rising maintenance costs.  Southwest needs deliveries of the MAX 7 as soon as possible.