Southwest Airlines has adjusted its expectations for new aircraft due to Boeing delivery delays. CEO Bob Jordan revealed that delivery setbacks are expected to persist into 2025, potentially impacting the airline’s fleet expansion plans.
“It’s too early to tell, but I wouldn’t be surprised if our deliveries from Boeing in ‘25 are lower than we originally thought,” Jordan stated during a recent interview with Bloomberg. He added that Southwest’s internal estimates are more cautious than Boeing’s current delivery forecasts.
Delivery Delays Impact Aircraft Production
Boeing’s production challenges, including a seven-week machinist strike, have delayed its return to regular manufacturing schedules. Jordan estimates that the company may need up to two months to regain standard production levels. The delivery delays have prompted Southwest to adjust its workforce management strategies, offering voluntary redundancies to ground staff and slowing down hiring in some areas.
According to Southwest’s third-quarter financial report, the airline expects to receive seventy-three Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2025. This includes forty-four 737 MAX 7, twenty-one 737 MAX 8s, and eight additional aircraft of either type. However, the 737 MAX 7 remains uncertified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), adding another layer of uncertainty to the delivery timeline.
This revised projection marks a decrease from Southwest’s earlier forecast of 86 aircraft for 2025, which was based on estimates provided in 2023. A company statement emphasized ongoing communication with Boeing: “The company will continue to closely monitor the ongoing aircraft delivery delays with Boeing and adjust expectations as needed.”
Southwest’s delivery challenges in 2024 have also affected its fleet updates. Out of 85 contractual deliveries for the year, the airline had only received 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft by October.
With delivery delays reshaping its fleet expansion strategy, Southwest remains focused on mitigating operational impacts and adapting its approach to maintain service efficiency.
