Southwest Airlines has recently celebrated the delivery of its 1,000th Boeing 737 aircraft, reinforcing its longstanding association with Boeing. The highlight of this celebration was the arrival of another brand-new 737-8.
In a parallel achievement, Southwest also welcomed its 1,001st aircraft, designated as N8899H. This strengthens its stature as the premier operator of the 737 MAX model worldwide. As of this update, the airline operates 206 of these aircraft. Additionally, with 813 aircraft, Southwest holds the record as the largest operator of both the 737 NG family and the entire 737 series.
Related: Southwest Airlines to Launch Three New International Routes from the U.S.
Starting its journey in 1971, Southwest began with just three Boeing 737-200 aircraft, covering routes among Dallas Love Field (DAL), Houston (IAH), and San Antonio (SAT). With its growth, it even added the famed Boeing 727 to its fleet.
Their commitment to Boeing saw them being the inaugural customer for the 737-300, 737-500, and 737-700 variants. Yet, the 737-800’s inclusion faced a considerable delay, only joining the fleet in 2011.
Originally set to welcome the 737-7 in 2021, the delivery faced setbacks due to the MAX’s grounding. This hiccup forced Southwest to reintroduce aircraft previously leased globally. By November 2021, the 737 MAX was operational again, with the 737-7 still pending its recertification.
Southwest anticipates its first 737-7’s arrival, originally slated for this year. Yet, as of April, they adjusted their intake from 90 to 70 Boeing 737s for 2023. The 737-7’s certification is still underway, with 31 fully-prepared aircraft awaiting their delivery.
Related: Southwest’s Revised Boeing 737 MAX Delivery Plan for 2023
Over the decades, Southwest has flown every generation of the 737 family. This began with the 737-200, succeeded by the Classic series in the 1980s. The 1990s saw the debut of the Next Generation with the 737-700. In 2017, the 737-8 MAX was introduced.
Current Fleet of Southwest Airlines
| Model | Active | Pending |
|---|---|---|
| 737-700 | 400 | |
| 737-800 | 207 | |
| 737-8 | 203 | 17 |
| 737-7 | 31 |
