Southwest Gets First Boeing 737 MAX 8
Southwest Airlines has officially taken delivery of its newest aircraft: its first Boeing 737 MAX 8.
Southwest is the first airline in the United States to receive the 737 MAX, planning to take delivery of eight more MAX planes in the coming weeks.
Southwest is aiming to launch nine MAX aircraft into revenue service on Oct. 1.
“Southwest Airlines has a lot more to do and a lot more places to go,” said Chairman & CEO Gary Kelly. “The 737 MAX opens a new chapter of efficiency, reliability, and comfort to the Southwest fleet, and its increased range allows us to take our low fares even farther.”
Southwest’s 737 MAX 8 aircraft has a single-class cabin configuration with 175 seats, along with features like LED lighting sequences and Boeing’s Sky Interior.
“As the launch Customer of the 737 MAX, we’ve been preparing for this moment since 2011,” said Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven. “I want to offer a special thanks to Boeing, CFM, and all of the Southwest Employees who worked together to deliver this game-changing aircraft to Southwest Airlines.”
