ABJ - December 13 - Southwest Airlines is once again leading the industry by teaming up with its long-time partner to become the launch customer of Boeing's new 737 MAX aircraft.

Southwest is the first customer to place firm orders for the new, more fuel-efficient 737 MAX, and the company also will become the first airline to accept delivery of the new aircraft in 2017.

As the launch customer of the 737 MAX, Southwest extends its legacy with Boeing as the 737 launch customer for the -300, -500, and -700. The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane, building on the strengths of today's Next-Generation 737 (737NG) technology, and is powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines.

In its ongoing effort to improve fuel efficiency while extending its record of unparalleled customer service and profitability in the airline industry, Southwest has placed a firm order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, with the first delivery scheduled in 2017.

The company also expanded its current order book with Boeing for 58 additional 737NG aircraft. These new orders join an existing firm order book of 142, bringing Southwest's total firm orders with Boeing to 350 for 2012 through 2022, intended to predominately serve as replacement aircrafts as the airline continues to modernize its fleet.