Aircraft
Southwest Airlines Won't Hurry Return of 737 Max
The Covid pandemic makes for a “pretty casual decision” on the timing of Southwest Airlines’ resumption of 737 Max 8 operations.
All 34 of Southwest Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 8s remain in storage in Victorville, California. (Photo: Barry Ambrose)
All 34 of Southwest Airlines' Boeing 737 Max 8s remain in storage in Victorville, California. (Photo: Barry Ambrose)

Southwest Airlines executives insisted Thursday that they remain anxious to see the 737 Max 8 return to service notwithstanding suggestions by CEO Gary Kelly that the Covid pandemic has lessened the urgency for adding new airplanes. Speaking during a media briefing from Southwest’s Dallas headquarters, Kelly estimated that it would take some 135 days to prepare its 34 Max 8s for service, pointing to a likely return to revenue flying no earlier than that first week of April.