SW places firm order for 150 737 Max, announced this morning (12-13-2011)

[Ky.BrownBourbn]

Announced this morning with small video on InterCompany website!

most important statement:

The 150 firm orders allow for replacement of the Classic/717 fleet by 2024 with an aircraft that promises a 16-18% improved fuel burn

So if they are not gone before then, we at least have an idea of the replacement of the Classics (and the 717)

Now we can worry about growing this thing!

Later,
KBB

 

[SWA/FO]

I am proud to announce that Southwest Airlines has placed the first firm order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes! We'll take delivery of the very first 737 MAX, becoming the launch Customer for the plane in 2017. As you know, Southwest also was the launch Customer for the Boeing 737-300, -500, and -700. The MAX builds on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737 technology and is powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines.

In addition to our order for the MAX aircraft, we announced our plans to expand our current order book with Boeing for 58 additional Next-Generation (NG) 737 aircraft. These new orders, along with the MAX order, join an existing firm order book of 142 bringing the Company’s total firm orders with Boeing to 350 for 2012 through 2024.

The volatile marketplace requires us to work closely with our partners and challenge them to do what they can to guarantee that our fleet is as efficient as possible. With the 737 MAX, the Boeing Company has risen to the task and given us a more fuel-efficient airplane while CFM International has developed an engine to reduce fuel burn. These advancements will help us maintain our position as the low-cost provider in the face of unprecedented economic challenges.

The 737 MAX with LEAP-1B engines will reduce fuel burn and emissions by an additional 10-11 percent over today’s most fuel-efficient single-aisle airplane. It will have the lowest operating costs in the single-aisle segment, with a 7 percent advantage over the competition.

The 737 MAX guarantees Southwest:

• A single fleet type well into the next decade with the operational benefits associated with training, schedule recovery, and maintenance programs
• The 150 firm orders allow for replacement of the Classic/717 fleet by 2024 with an aircraft that promises a 16-18% improved fuel burn;
• The 737 MAX has an engine/airframe combination that is uniquely designed to optimize operating performance for our aircraft;
• And this announcement provides for a continuing partnership between Boeing/GE/SWA that will be dedicated to continually improving the operational/ economic performance of the aircraft and engines.

We have been in discussions with Boeing for several years discussing the Next-Generation 737 renewal program. The 737 MAX delivers competitive fuel burn improvement and does so in a manner that minimizes operational complexity at Southwest. The 737 MAX is tailor-made to our network needs.

We did not make a decision of this magnitude without extensive evaluation, analysis, and due diligence. We compared the 737 MAX with the Airbus NEO product. Both aircraft deliver substantial improvements on their existing products. However, given that the product choices were ultimately re-engined derivatives from the existing product lines, we concluded that the 737 MAX with its improved economics, fleet commonality, and our mission profile was the clear choice for Southwest.

Check out the video above to see animation of what the MAX will look like. Like the -800, the MAX will feature Boeing’s Sky Interior. In addition, Boeing has created a web site at http://www.boeing.com/newairplane.com//737/737Max/southwest/. A web cast of today’s press conference announcing this big news will be available at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/5799494 beginning at 9 a.m. CST. If you want to watch, you’ll have to view from a computer outside the Southwest network. Gary and I will record a special Newsline message later this morning, so be sure to tune in. A video recap of the event will post here on SWALife this afternoon.

This is a significant milestone at Southwest and will result in a longterm fleet plan that ensures we continue to operate one of the, if not the, most efficient fleet in the world. It’s a great gift in this season of giving!

 

[KNOTS]

Cool! 1950's design flying into the 21 century and beyond.

 

[nimtz]

Check out the video above to see animation of what the MAX will look like. Like the -800, the MAX will feature Boeing’s Sky Interior. In addition, Boeing has created a web site at http://www.boeing.com/newairplane.com//737/737Max/southwest/.

Dear Gary,

Boeing says 'Sorry, the page you are looking for has moved or no longer exists.' Perhaps a fitting metaphor for 30 more years of 90's cockpit technology and cabin comfort.

 

[Golden Falcon]

Cool! 1950's design flying into the 21 century and beyond.

Like the B-52, DC-3 to name a few others...find me FBW Airbus that will serve faithfully for 50 years...unless it says Budweiser on the outside..

 

[SWA/FO]

Sounds like someones jealous.

 

[PreContact]

Here's the proper link: http://www.boeing.com/newairplane/737/737Max/southwest/

 

[SKC]

Sounds like someones jealous.

You hit the

nail
the head

 

[n757st]

So this means Southwest will only expand by 60ish frames in the next 12 years correct? By the time you replace ~290 classics/717s theres not a lot left over. By all means congrats on a new frame, but to me this says Southwest is largely going to remain at its current size for a while.

I don't mean this to be a slam, I'd love it if I had your pay/benefits.

 

[johnsonrod]

Critical question: do we know whether SWA will be able to influence the design of the 737 MAX overhead panel? Please say no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We need some progress!