In spite of the protracted certification process that has delayed the Boeing 737 MAX 7 (737-7) entry to service, Southwest Airlines has stuck by the side of its exclusive aircraft supplier. In recent statements from the executive-level leaders of the airline, prospects are improving for deliveries of the latest and greatest iteration of the world’s most popular jetliner.
Southwest Airlines famously operates an exclusively 737-composed fleet and has continued the relationship by placing a staggering 672 firm orders split between MAX 7 and MAX 8 jets. The 737 MAX has been in the spotlight for its issues, but loyal operators like Southwest are still eager to receive the jets on their order books.
737 MAX 7 Certification In 2026’s First Half
Photo: BlueBarronPhoto | Shutterstock
The 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10 are equally impacted by the current certification delays, but Southwest represents an especially strong interest in the 737-7 to modernize its existing all-Boeing 737 fleet. The two tragic crashes of Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines 737 MAX 8 jets have contributed to the roughly four-year delays, but currently, the main obstacles are engine issues.
The CFM International LEAP-1B engines have experienced issues with anti-ice functions that caused overheating as well as inadvertent damage when the load-reduction devices (LRDs) are triggered during bird-strike incidents. The anti-ice mechanism caused overheating that was flagged by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The LRD caused oil leaks in previous cases, both of which remain to be fixed before the 737-7 and 737-10 will be certified.
All that to say that despite a turbulent process, the remaining two variants of the next-generation 737 series are almost over the finish line to full-rate production. During the Southwest Airlines’ 2025 second-quarter earnings call, Chief Executive Officer Robert Jordan responded to questions with his outlook on the fleet modernization timeline:
“Now the production and our deliveries are still well behind our contractual plan and what we actually need. But the point is we’re seeing them move up not down, which is good. So yes, we changed we moved our assumptions up from 38 to 47. Our retirements are fixed at roughly 55 this year. So as we get incremental aircraft or deliveries from Boeing beyond what we expected in our plan, we have a lot of flexibility in terms of what we can do with those replacing older aircraft.”
Southwest Sees Boeing Ramping Up
Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock
Given the enhanced oversight and stringent inspection requirements of the 737 MAX series, it makes Boeing’s improved production output all the more impressive. That is something that Southwest greatly appreciates as the carrier works to modernize both its fleet and business model in 2025 to improve its bottom line.
The FAA placed a cap on 737 MAX production for the MAX 8 and MAX 9 variants after the fatal mishaps that saw the plane’s automated controls cause 346 travelers to perish in 2018 and 2019. That cap remains today and the FAA still inspects every aircraft that rolls off teh assembly line individually to ensure full compliance with quality assurance. The FAA currently has no plans to reduce that oversight, as Reuters covered in a report earlier this year.
The Chief Financial Officer of Southwest Airlines, Tom Doxey, said that deliveries for 2025 are up from 38 of the 737 MAX 8 series to 47 aircraft. That performance has encouraged Southwest to retire more of its legacy 737-800 models and prepare for the arrival of 737 MAX 7 planes in the new year.
your next read
Why Southwest Airlines’ Newest Aircraft Will Be Several Years Old When They Get Delivered
What’s behind the hold-up, and how does it impact the airline’s future?
The Future Southwest Fleet
Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock
In an effort to upgrade its fleet and increase customer satisfaction, network reach, and fuel efficiency, Southwest Airlines is transitioning to the Boeing 737 MAX family. When compared to legacy 737 aircraft, the latest models not only offer notable fuel savings but also improvements in passenger experience and operational flexibility.
Stock Code
BA
Business Type
Planemaker
Date Founded
July 15, 1916
CEO
Kelly Ortberg
Headquarters Location
Chicago, USA
The goal of the fleet modernization is to provide passengers with more choice and control over their travel experiences while also making travel more comfortable and convenient. As the 737 MAX 7 joins the fleet, Southwest and its passengers can look forward to an even better flying experience across the board.
