The Boeing 737 MAX 8 At Southwest Airlines: Everything You Need To Know (2024)

For almost its entire existence, Southwest Airlines has been an all-Boeing 737 operator. With a single aircraft type in its fleet, the carrier has been able to offer a low-cost product, consistency, and a simplified operation. As one of the world's largest 737 Next Generation (NG) operators, it was clear that the airline would take an interest in the NG’s successor: the 737 MAX. Becoming the first US carrier to operate the MAX 8, Southwest took delivery of its first plane in 2017.

The carrier now operates more than 220 examples of the aircraft type, with nearly 200 more on order. Although the MAX has been associated with several safety concerns and has a tainted reputation, Southwest has continued to commit to the aircraft. Since welcoming the plane type to its fleet, the carrier has been able to expand its route map and become more fuel-efficient. In just about six years, the airline has taken delivery of more MAX 8s than its entire fleet of 737-800s.

How did it land on the MAX 8?

Before the 737 NG, Southwest operated the 737 Classic series, which included the 737-300 and 737-500. These aircraft complemented the airline’s unique point-to-point route system – a stark contrast to the traditional hub-and-spoke model that the larger US legacy carriers perform. When the NG series was introduced, Southwest showed a strong liking for the smallest variant, the 737-700. As aircraft had just about the same capacity as the 737-300 but proved to be more efficient, it became the backbone of the airline. For a few years, the carrier would go on to operate most of its flights capped at around 137 passengers until the -700s capacity was subsequently increased to 143.

With the wish to have even more capacity, the 737-800 was ordered. This aircraft was groundbreaking for the airline as it could fly further. Select -800s were ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operations Performance Standards) certified, which allowed the carrier to explore transpacific flights. After seeing a satisfactory performance with the aircraft type, the airline easily opted for the 737 MAX 8, which would deliver even better results. Southwest touts its MAX 8s for their efficiency and reliability benefits.

Operational performance & Hawaii

The airline says the aircraft is likely to take off as scheduled and unlikely to cause maintenance delays or cancelations from unscheduled maintenance issues. Additionally, it has approximately 14% in fuel burn improvements compared to the 737-800.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

Other benefits include:

• An increased takeoff payload
• More range at high density, allowing the plane to fly further at higher altitudes
• The range is increased by 500 nautical miles over the 737-800

Despite the MAX 8’s operational improvements, the aircraft type and 737-800 share several similarities. As the -800 laid out the foundation for the MAX 8 to come onto the scene, the cabin configurations in both types are the same. The planes accommodate a total of 175 passengers in a single-class layout. Each seat has a pitch of 32 inches. The planes are also equipped with the Boeing Sky Interior, which features modern sculpted sidewalls, larger window reveals, LED cabin lighting, and increased overhead bin storage space. When it comes to repairs, about 80% of the MAX 8’s spare parts share commonality with the 737-800.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

Although ETOPS allowed Southwest to explore routes to Hawaii, the carrier has primarily operated service to the 50th state with the MAX 8. As it has taken delivery of more examples, Southwest has expanded its presence in Hawaii with service to eight US mainland West Coast destinations: Phoenix, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, Oakland, San Jose, and Sacramento. The airline also operates interisland flights, offering major competition to Hawaiian Airlines, which had dominated the interisland market for years.

Special liveries

Southwest is no stranger to painting its aircraft with special liveries. Its state-tribute paint schemes have been a long tradition, with many of its -700s donning unique designs. More recently, as older examples of the variant have been retired, some have been transferred to -800s. However, since the MAX 8 is such a vital component of its Hawaii operation, Southwest unveiled the “Imua One,” featuring a stylized and vibrant livery that honors eight concepts in Hawaiian culture that align with the airline's values.

Two other MAX 8s are painted in special liveries. While they both pay tribute to notable Southwest leaders, they also wear the airline’s old standard liveries: Desert Gold – its original livery, and Canyon Blue – its second livery and predecessor to its current Heart paint scheme. N871HK was delivered in 2022 and is a flying tribute to Herbert D. Kelleher, one of the co-founders of Southwest. As the only aircraft in its fleet to feature the Desert Gold paint scheme, the plane’s tail number is also significant, given that the airline began operations on June 18, 1971 (871), and “HK” stands for Herb’s initials.

“This aircraft isn’t just a pretty coat of paint,” the airline said. “It has deep significance to all the Employees at Southwest Airlines.”

Photo: Southwest Airlines | Skylite Productions

Also in 2022, N872CB was delivered. The special MAX 8, known as “Heroine of the Heart,” pays tribute to Colleen Barrett, former Southwest President and the first woman to serve as president of a major airline. The aircraft features the carrier’s former Canyon Blue livery that was introduced in 2001.

Photo:lorenzatx | Shutterstock

According to ch-aviation, there are currently 225 MAX 8s in Southwest’s fleet, and the airline has several more on order. However, while the plane type plays a special role in its operation, the airline still favors smaller variants, which are appropriate to some markets.

Southwest has been the largest operator of the 737-700, having around 500 in its fleet at its peak. The airline has since retired older jets and now has 387 examples. Despite certification delays surrounding the 737 MAX 7, the airline remains committed with 307 examples on order, directly replacing the 737-700.