What model planes does Southwest fly?
At Southwest, we only operate Boeing 737s, and our Pilots are highly trained and experienced at flying the aircraft. In fact, before the 737 MAX was grounded, Southwest Pilots flew almost 40,000 flights on the aircraft, which is more than 89,000 flight hours.
Why do Southwest planes fly so high?
The biggest reason for this altitude lies in fuel efficiency. The thin air creates less drag on the aircraft, which means the plane can use less fuel in order to maintain speed. Less wind resistance, more power, less effort, so to speak. Spending less on fuel is also great for airlines, for obvious reasons.
Is Southwest 737-800 same as MAX?
Though both designs exist under the Boeing 737 umbrella, the 737 Max is newer, and it was created to replace the 737-800, according to ABC News. But the 737 Max was grounded for 20 months following an investigation into those fatal crashes.
Does Southwest fly only 737s?
Southwest Airlines famously only operates one type of aircraft – the Boeing 737. The carrier has trusted the narrowbody on its operations across the United States for five decades.
How fast does a Southwest plane go?
A typical commercial passenger jet flies at a speed of about 400 – 500 knots which is around 460 – 575 mph when cruising at about 36,000ft. This is about Mach 0.75 – 0.85 or in other words, about 75-85% of the speed of sound. Generally speaking, the higher the aircraft flies, the faster it can travel.
How many Max jets does Southwest have?
Southwest Airlines’ big MAX order book Southwest Airlines has 77 firm MAX aircraft on order in 2022. This includes 72 MAX 7s and five MAX 8 aircraft. In the fourth quarter of 2021, Southwest exercised options for 22 MAX 7s.
Does Southwest still fly 737 Max?
Southwest has 68 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, ch-aviation.com shows, nearly all of which are currently active. For now, its MAX aircraft are far overshadowed by 472 B737-700s and 207 B737-800s. Southwest retired 36 B737-700s in 2020, with 30 to 35 expected to be retired annually over the next 10 to 15 years.
Why are some Southwest planes gold?
In addition to state liveries, Southwest also has three specialty aircraft. Two Boeing 737-700s are painted in a metallic gold scheme honoring the airline’s co-founder Herb Kelleher, who died in January 2019, and former president Colleen Barrett.
Does Southwest Airlines have 747?
Southwest Airlines started 2020 strong with a fleet of 747 Boeing 737 aircraft.