Boeing and Southwest Airlines on Dec. 13 announced a firm order for 150 fuel-efficient 737 MAX airplanes.
Southwest is the first customer to finalize an order for the
737 MAX and becomes the launch customer for the new-engine
variant.
The Dallas-based carrier also ordered 58 Next-Generation
737s.
The firm order is the largest in Boeing history both in
dollar value, nearly $19 billion at list prices, and the
number of airplanes.
It supports Southwest's initiative to modernize its
all-Boeing fleet, the world's largest fleet of 737s.
As the 737 MAX launch customer, Southwest will take delivery
of the first airplane when it enters service in 2017.
"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 in a statement from
Dallas.
"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." The
737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world's best-selling
airplane and builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation
737.
The new-engine variant, powered by CFM International LEAP-1B
engines, reduces fuel burn and CO2 emissions by an additional
10-12 per cent over today's most fuel-efficient single-aisle
airplane.
It will have the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle
segment with a 7 percent advantage over tomorrow's
competition.
"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." This order continues the
growing momentum for the 737 MAX.
With the Southwest order, the 737 MAX has orders and
commitments for more than 900 airplanes from 13 customers,
while the Next-Generation 737 family has won orders for more
than 6,600 airplanes and Boeing has delivered more than
3,800.
