What Kind of Planes Does Southwest Airlines Fly?
Southwest Airlines flies only Boeing 737 jets. It is the largest operator of the 737 worldwide, has been a launch customer on three models and is the world's largest operator of two models. Southwest has chosen to exclusively fly the 737 because of cost benefits.
Other People Are Reading
-
The Southwest Fleet
-
Southwest's fleet includes 544 aircraft. It holds firm orders for more than 100 additional 737s as well as over 100 options and purchasing rights for subsequent aircraft. As of July 1, 2009, Southwest's fleet had an average age of approximately 10 years.
737 Models
-
Southwest operates three 737 models, the "classic" 737-300 and 737-500 and the "next generation" 737-700. It was the launch customer for all three models and is the largest worldwide operator of the 737-300 and 737-700.
-
Retired 737s
-
Southwest previously operated 737-200 aircraft, but retired the last of those in 2005 as newer, more fuel efficient 737-700s were delivered. The 737-300 is being phased out as 737-700s are delivered.
Benefits of One Type of Aircraft
-
Southwest flies only the Boeing 737 because of maintenance and training cost savings. Furthermore, the aircraft is versatile enough to be profitable on a variety of long-haul and short-haul routes. The 737's quick preparation and turn-around time allows Southwest to utilize its aircraft more hours per day.
Other Types of Aircraft Southwest Has Flown
-
During the late 1970s and again in the mid-1980s, Southwest temporarily operated Boeing 727 aircraft while it awaited delivery of new 737s. Upon receiving those aircraft, the 727s were returned to their lessors.
-
