Southwest expects its first 737 MAX 7s to arrive later this year and enter service in 2027, according to a report from Aviation Week.
The industry news website cited recent remarks from Ken Barone, Southwest’s fleet asset management director, at its AeroEngines Americas conference.
“We’re being told, later this year they will get regulatory approval,” Barone said. “I have no concerns about anything getting in the way of that. And once that happens, we’ll spend about four to six months getting them ready to get into service.”
If certification happens in the second half of this year, he added, Southwest could begin operating the type by early next year.
The 737 MAX 7 was supposed to begin commercial service in 2019, with Southwest as its launch customer. It has faced numerous delays in certification, mainly due to issues with its engine deicing system. Late last year, the aircraft’s projected certification date was pushed back to 2026.
Southwest has an enormous investment in the eventual success of the 737 MAX 7, as it has ordered 268 of the type. The jets will replace Southwest’s 737-700s.
The carrier currently operates the MAX 8, together with older -700s and -800s.
