DALLAS-based southwest Airlines has firmed a total of sixteen B737-7 options in two batches of eight units, one in the third quarter of 2021 and the other on October 1, as it phases out its B737-700s, reports Switzerland's Ch-Aviation.
The low-cost carrier said the first eight-part of increment of B737-7s would be delivered in 2022 and the other eight in 2023.
Following the conversion of the options, Southwest Airlines has outstanding confirmed orders for 250 B737-7s. Subject to the certification of the type by the US Federal Aviation Administration (F), deliveries are due to begin in early 2022 and continue through to the end of 2030.
The portfolio of aircraft includes 248 new units and two previously used as testbeds by Boeing. Southwest Airlines said it also has 149 outstanding orders for B737-8s in addition to the 69 units of the type already delivered.
No further B737 MAX deliveries are scheduled for 2021. The deliveries of -8s are scheduled to resume in 2026 and conclude by the end of 2031. Beyond the confirmed orders, Southwest Airlines has a further 252 B737 MAX options (-7s and -8s) that, if converted, would deliver between 2022 and 2027.
'We currently have 72 firm orders and 42 options next year, and we will continue to evaluate option exercises as decision points arise. Regardless of our capacity plans next year, we continue to believe that taking the additional 2022 options will yield a positive net present value on aircraft replacement if we don't deploy them in the network,' said Southwest CFO Tammy Romo.
The carrier plans to replace the bulk of its B737-700s with the forthcoming MAX. It currently operates 462 -700s, making it by far the largest operator of the type globally. United Airlines, the second-largest, has just 53 in its fleet.
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The low-cost carrier said the first eight-part of increment of B737-7s would be delivered in 2022 and the other eight in 2023.
Following the conversion of the options, Southwest Airlines has outstanding confirmed orders for 250 B737-7s. Subject to the certification of the type by the US Federal Aviation Administration (F), deliveries are due to begin in early 2022 and continue through to the end of 2030.
The portfolio of aircraft includes 248 new units and two previously used as testbeds by Boeing. Southwest Airlines said it also has 149 outstanding orders for B737-8s in addition to the 69 units of the type already delivered.
No further B737 MAX deliveries are scheduled for 2021. The deliveries of -8s are scheduled to resume in 2026 and conclude by the end of 2031. Beyond the confirmed orders, Southwest Airlines has a further 252 B737 MAX options (-7s and -8s) that, if converted, would deliver between 2022 and 2027.
'We currently have 72 firm orders and 42 options next year, and we will continue to evaluate option exercises as decision points arise. Regardless of our capacity plans next year, we continue to believe that taking the additional 2022 options will yield a positive net present value on aircraft replacement if we don't deploy them in the network,' said Southwest CFO Tammy Romo.
The carrier plans to replace the bulk of its B737-700s with the forthcoming MAX. It currently operates 462 -700s, making it by far the largest operator of the type globally. United Airlines, the second-largest, has just 53 in its fleet.
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