Southwest to debut Boeing 737 MAX 7 early in 2027

Southwest Airlines expects to launch revenue service with the Boeing 737 MAX 7 in 2027.

The carrier does not plan to bring the long-delayed aircraft into operation until at least six months after the type receives certification, chief operating officer Andrew Watterson said during the IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro on 6 June.

Watterson said the airline wants to avoid moving too quickly. He explained that the period after certification will be needed to add the aircraft to Southwest’s operations specifications, a process that involves coordination with the US Federal Aviation Administration, updates to company manuals and preparation of employees. In his view, that timeline gives Southwest enough room to make the aircraft ready for service.

Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg told investors on 27 May that he expects the FAA to certify the MAX 7 during the summer, with certification of the larger MAX 10 expected to follow soon afterward.

After approval is granted, Boeing will be able to start handing over already-built MAX 7s to Southwest and other operators.

Southwest is the launch customer for the MAX 7. According to its most recent fleet plan, the airline has firm orders for 256 of the aircraft.

Watterson said the first group of aircraft, likely around 20 to 30 MAX 7s, will be delivered with ETOPS approval, allowing them to be used on specific extended-range missions. Subsequent deliveries are expected to support the gradual replacement of Southwest’s 294 older Boeing 737-700s.

He added that the airline values having a fleet with different aircraft sizes, including both smaller and larger narrowbodies. Southwest’s fleet of roughly 800 aircraft also includes Boeing 737-800s and 737 MAX 8s.

While preparing for the MAX 7, Southwest is also investing in passenger-facing upgrades. Its first aircraft fitted with SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed inflight internet system, a Boeing 737-800, is scheduled to begin flying in late June. By the end of the year, the airline aims to have the service installed on more than 300 aircraft.

Southwest is also still evaluating several broader product changes, including long-haul international flights, premium lounges and a first-class cabin for domestic US routes.

Watterson said the airline has not yet made final decisions on any of those plans.