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Southwest Airlines is considering selling some of its incoming Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, according to CEO Bob Jordan. This decision is part of the airline's revised fleet capital expenditures strategy, which was introduced during its Investor Day in September 2024. The airline aims to capitalize on the favorable pricing of its nearly 700 aircraft backlog compared to current market values.
Jordan highlighted that Southwest Airlines has a "very, very attractive order book" and plans only modest capacity growth of 1% to 2% over the next few years. As a result, the company may sell aircraft it does not plan to use for its operations. "And if we don't take all those aircraft for our own uses, then we will monetize those into the market," he said.
Boeing has faced production challenges, including a mid-air door plug blowout incident with Alaska Airlines' 737 MAX 9 and a strike at its Renton facilities. Despite these setbacks, Southwest expects improvements in Boeing's delivery processes. As of January 30, 2025, Southwest had firm orders for 496 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft but noted delays in deliveries.
