Southwest Retiring More Boeing 737s

Southwest is continuing its fleet transition, methodically retiring older Boeing 737-700s and 737-800s to make way for more 737 MAXs.

With the anticipated certification of the 737 MAX 7 in 2026, the U.S. carrier plans further aggressive fleet renewal, with additional retirements in the next 12 months as older planes are removed.

The pivot towards the more efficient MAX is seen industry-wide. Still, for Southwest, which is entering a new era with 24/7 operations, no more open seating, premium seats and more, this renewal is crucial to raising revenue.

Southwest Retires 737NGs

In 2025, Southwest confirmed it retired 55 aircraft from its fleet, which operates exclusively on the Boeing 737 family; these were the only family members axed.

As part of ongoing fleet renewal efforts, 48 of the airline’s Boeing 737-700s and seven 737-800s were retired, all from the Boeing 737NG family.

Southwest said the sale of five Boeing 737-800 jets was also included, and net capital expenditures for the year totalled $2.6 billion.

During the 4th quarter, 18 aircraft were retired, leaving the airline with 803 aircraft at year-end and continuing its transition to the more efficient, direct replacement, the 737 MAX.

Looking ahead to 2026, Southwest expects to retire approximately 60 737NG aircraft; these will be replaced by 66 737-8 jets, part of the MAX family.

Taking delivery of 66 new MAX aircraft this year would ultimately be an increase from the 55 that were delivered in 2025, the deliveries last year of new planes matching the outgoings, 55 a piece.

The Southwest Fleet In 2026

Southwest’s 2026 fleet stands at 800 aircraft, with the latest available data showing 780 in service and 20 parked, all in the 737 family. The average age of the fish was 11.3 years.

The fleet comprises three models in the 737 family: the 737-700, the oldest aircraft at 19.6 years, with 289 jets remaining in service; and 12 units listed as parked, bringing the total to 301.

The airline also flies close to 200 737-800s. These planes, at 10.4 years old, represent the second aircraft in the 737NG family.

Lastly, the U.S. carrier’s reliance on the 737 MAX continues to grow, with over 300 MAX 8 deliveries to date; however, patience is warranted as the airline transitions to the newer model.

The 737 MAX enables more efficient operations and supports the retirement of 737-700s, particularly a model that once had a fleet tally of 500; that number has been dramatically reduced with the introduction of the 737 MAX.

However, the transition hasn’t been easy. Southwest, arguably seeking to grow more aggressively, has struggled with delays in new planes and has not been aided by the lack of certification for models such as the 737 MAX 7, which is expected to be approved this year.

Bottom Line: A Transition To The 737 MAX

Southwest’s 737 renewal was intense in 2025, with many 737NGs departing the fleet as 737 MAX deliveries increased, substantially boosting efficiency across the network.

Now, with a fleet of 800, the airline is forecasting higher deliveries this year, with more retirements expected as it aggressively enters a new era focused on revenue growth.