Southwest Airlines and Boeing recently announced that the airline will increase its commitment to the fuel-efficient 737 MAX family by ordering 108 737-7s. The new agreement supports Southwest’s modernization strategy and allows for fleet expansion flexibility.

Southwest Airlines’ president and chief executive officer, Bob Jordan, stated that the company’s relationship with Boeing dates back more than half a century, to the day that three Boeing 737 aircraft began serving three locations. They are both a part of the airline’s past and its future, as it continue to recognize the numerous efficiencies and cost savings of a single fleet.

The 737 family has long served Southwest by contributing to the airline’s expansion. Southwest has placed over 300 reservations for the 737-7, bringing its total 737 MAX orderbook to over 500 aircraft. After certification, the 737-7 will be added to the airline’s all-Boeing 737 fleet.

Southwest relies on the extraordinary efficiency and dependability of the 737 MAX family, according to Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Stan Deal added, “The 737-7 is pivotal to Southwest’s long-term fleet modernization strategy, and we are honored to have the airline’s continued trust in us to deliver its future fleet.”

The 737-7 has the longest range in its class, with a maximum range of 3,800 nautical miles and a passenger capacity of 172. The 737 MAX’s improved environmental performance enables airlines to minimize fuel consumption compared to the previous generation of aircraft. The 737 MAX is also quieter than its predecessors, leaving a smaller aural footprint.

Boeing, a global leader in the aerospace industry, designs, manufactures, and services commercial aircraft, defense products, and space systems for consumers in more than 150 countries. As a leading U.S. exporter, the company utilizes the skills of its global supplier base to promote economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. The diverse team at Boeing is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a company culture based on its fundamental values of safety, quality, and integrity.