Southwest Airlines Co. said it added 100 firm orders for the Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft, calling the order agreement a signal of confidence in the 737 MAX model.
The U.S. late last year approved Boeing Co. ’s 737 MAX jets for passenger flights again after two crashes took 346 lives.
Southwest on Monday said it has scheduled 30 aircraft to be delivered in 2022. The company said it has converted 70 MAX 8 orders to MAX 7 firm orders and added 155 MAX options for MAX 7 or MAX 8 aircraft for 2022 through 2029 as part of the agreement.
With the order-book additions and revisions, the company has 349 MAX firm orders and 270 MAX options for MAX 7 or MAX 8 for 2021 through 2031, it said. Southwest said the order agreement is part of its effort to operate fuel-efficient and climate-friendly aircraft.
“Today’s commitment to the 737 MAX solidifies our continued appreciation for the aircraft and confirms our plans to offer the Boeing 737 series of aircraft to our Employees and Customers for years to come,” Chairman and Chief Executive Gary Kelly said.