Southwest with 600 Aircraft on Order Could Mean Thousands of Pilots Hired

Southwest Airlines has finalized an agreement with Boeing for a large order of the 737 MAX series of aircraft. The order consists of at least 100 new 737 MAX jets, split between MAX 8 and MAX 7 versions, with an option to purchase 155 more. Given Southwest’s prior commitment, this brings their overall total of aircraft to potentially more than 600 aircraft if they decide to continue with the additional options.
For wide body aircraft, like the Boeing 737, airlines will often plan to staff between 18-25 pilots per plane. Even at the lower end of that range, with 600 planes on order (not including which of these aircraft will replace older fleet being retired), that means the need for at least 10,800 pilots to staff them.

For wide body aircraft, like the Boeing 737, airlines will often plan to staff between 18-25 pilots per plane. Even at the lower end of that range, with 600 planes on order (not including which of these aircraft will replace older fleet being retired), that means the need for at least 10,800 pilots to staff them.

This order reasserts Southwest’s commitment to Boeing and the 737 MAX series. Southwest’s Chairman and CEO, Gary Kelly, stated, “Southwest Airlines has been operating the Boeing 737 series for nearly 50 years, and the aircraft has made significant contribution to our unparalleled success. Today’s commitment to the 737 MAX solidifies our continued appreciation for the aircraft and confirms our plans to offer the Boeing 737 series of aircraft to our employees and customers for years to come. We are proud to continue our tradition of being the world’s largest operator of an all-Boeing fleet.”
The airline has apparently completed a multi-year review of its fleet which helped lead to this significant order. In total, Southwest’s order stands at 200 MAX 7s and 180 MAX 8s with more than 30 of these already being delivered to the airline. In addition to this, the airline now has a total of 270 options for either of the two models. Southwest is seemingly also working to add MAX aircraft through deals with third party lessors.

The airline has apparently completed a multi-year review of its fleet which helped lead to this significant order. In total, Southwest’s order stands at 200 MAX 7s and 180 MAX 8s with more than 30 of these already being delivered to the airline. In addition to this, the airline now has a total of 270 options for either of the two models. Southwest is seemingly also working to add MAX aircraft through deals with third party lessors.

“Southwest Airlines has been a leader and bellwether for the airline industry and this order is a big vote of confidence for commercial air travel. As vaccine distribution continues to pick-up, people are returning to the skies and fueling hopes for a full recovery and renewed growth across our industry.”, stated Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing.

Stan Deal couldn’t be more correct in that these orders fuel hope for renewed growth across the industry. This aircraft orders including this one from Boeing, plus others recently in the news, returning passengers through TSA, and increasing pilot hiring, the future is once again looking positive for aviation as the COVID vaccine continued to roll out across the US.