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US airlines maintain robust networks with Boeing's controversial but efficient jet

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US airlines maintain robust networks with Boeing's controversial but efficient jet
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Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX aircraft | Wikipedia

In the United States, five airlines are currently operating Boeing 737 MAX aircraft: Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines. Together, these airlines have received 650 of the 1,815 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft delivered globally.

American Airlines was instrumental in launching the Boeing 737 MAX. On July 20, 2011, they placed a significant order for narrowbody aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing. This included an order for what would become the new evolution of the 737NG with improved fuel efficiency. "American is pleased to be the first airline to commit to Boeing’s new 737 family offering," said American Airlines at that time.

The history of the Boeing 737 MAX has been marred by two fatal crashes which led to scrutiny over its Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS). In January 2021, Boeing reached a deferred prosecution agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ), resulting in a $2.5 billion fine. The case was reopened after an incident involving Alaska Airlines' 737 MAX in January 2024. However, under the Trump administration's DOJ leadership, a non-prosecution agreement was reached.

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Despite these challenges, American Airlines continues to operate its fleet of Boeing 737 MAX aircraft extensively. As of May, it scheduled over 1,500 weekly flights using this model on domestic and international routes.

Alaska Airlines operates an all-737 fleet including five MAX 8s and seventy-seven MAX 9s. They schedule over fifteen hundred weekly departures within the US and have a smaller international network.

Allegiant Air began operating its first Boeing 737 MAX in September last year after delays. Their network is entirely domestic with nearly three hundred weekly departures.

Southwest Airlines remains the largest operator of the type worldwide with two hundred sixty-two units in service. Over half of all US-based operators' scheduled flights this month will be flown by Southwest.

United Airlines ranks as the second-largest global operator with one hundred eighteen MAX 8s and one hundred MAX 9s in their fleet. They plan over five thousand weekly departures including several international routes this month.

The story of these airlines reflects both challenges and resilience as they continue integrating this aircraft into their operations despite past difficulties associated with it.

Organizations Included in this History
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