Southwest Airlines Launches LEAP-1B-Powered 737 MAX

Since its introduction into commercial service in 1998 with Southwest Airlines, the CFM56-7B-powed Boeing 737 has become the best-selling engine/airplane in aviation history.  Total orders stand at more than 6,600 aircraft, of which more than 3,800 have been delivered to about 190 operators.

All of the engines powering Southwest’s Next-Generation 737-800s will be the CFM56-7BE configuration.  The enhanced airplane/engine combination provides a 2 percent improvement in fuel consumption, which, in turn, equates to a 2 percent reduction in carbon emissions.  Additionally, the enhanced -7BE will provide up to 4 percent lower maintenance costs, depending on the thrust rating.   The engine entered service in July 2011 and more than 130 aircraft have been delivered to operators around the globe.  The fleet has logged more than 125,000 engine flight hours without a single engine-related issue.

About Southwest Airlines:

With 40 years of service, Southwest Airlines Co. (Southwest), a low-fare major domestic airline, continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers, offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest was incorporated in Texas and commenced Customer Service on June 18, 1971 with three Boeing 737 aircraft serving three Texas cities - Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. Today, Southwest is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded serving 72 cities in 37 states. On May 2, 2011, Southwest completed the acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc., and now operates AirTran Airways as a wholly owned subsidiary. Southwest has among the lowest cost structures in the domestic airline industry, consistently offers the lowest and simplest fares, and has one of the best overall Customer Service records.