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Southwest Airlines remains one of the few major carriers to operate a large fleet of Boeing 737-700 aircraft, even as other airlines have retired the model in favor of larger and newer variants. The 737-700, which entered service in 1998, has become central to Southwest’s operations due to its compatibility with the airline’s single-type fleet strategy and its ability to efficiently serve medium-haul and lower-demand routes.
The airline has acquired more than 300 Boeing 737-700s over the years, which has allowed it to benefit from economies of scale and maintain flexible scheduling. While the aircraft offers lower capacity and less favorable seat economics compared to the Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8, it fits well with Southwest’s frequency-led, single-class service model. The 737-700’s short-field performance and lower seat count make it suitable for serving thinner city pairs and off-peak periods, helping Southwest manage demand and maintain profitability on routes that may not support larger jets.
Fleet commonality is another advantage for Southwest. Operating only Boeing 737s allows the airline to streamline pilot training, maintenance procedures, and spare parts inventory, reducing operational costs. “The aircraft anchors the Southwest Airlines single-type operating model. Pilots, spare parts, aircraft tooling and maintenance procedures can be aligned across the airline's fleet. This allows the Boeing 737-700 to flexibly swap aircraft and protect network completion factors,” according to the airline.
