Southwest eyes deeper revamp; MAX 7 service seen in 2027
Southwest eyes deeper revamp; MAX 7 service seen in 2027 By Rajesh Kumar Singh
RIO DE JANEIRO, June 6 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines LUV.N expects Boeing's BA.N long-delayed 737 MAX 7 to enter revenue service in 2027, about six months after the aircraft is certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson told Reuters on Saturday.
Watterson said the airline remains focused on the MAX family and is seriously studying airport lounges, trans-oceanic flying, and more premium seating as part of a broader transformation.
Tony Roach, Southwest's chief customer and brand officer, said the carrier has not ruled out using Amazon's Leo satellite network even as it begins rolling out Starlink-powered Wi-Fi.
The interviews happened on the sidelines of the International Air Transport Association's annual summit in Rio de Janeiro.
(Reporting by Rajesh Kumar Singh in Rio de Janeiro)
((rajeshkumar.singh@thomsonreuters.com; +1-313-484-5370; Reuters Messaging: rajeshkumar.singh.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net/))