American, Southwest Say They Still Want 737 MAX But Want Contracts to be Reset Written 24 July 2020
Reuters reports that American Airlines and Southwest Airlines “said on Thursday they are still committed to the 737 MAX despite delays in its return to flight and the coronavirus pandemic,” though Southwest CEO Gary Kelly “said contracts need to be ‘completely reset.’” American Airlines CFO Derek Kerr “said the carrier is in ‘good discussions’ with The Boeing Company to finalize financing terms on 17 737 MAX jets that were to be delivered this year, adding that the airline still wants its full order for 100 MAX planes, over time.” Southwest “said it had agreed with Boeing to take no more than 48 aircraft through the end of 2021,” but Southwest executives “said they probably need fewer than those 48.” The FAA is unlikely to “certify the 737 MAX for flight before October, an official briefed on the matter told Reuters.”
Full Story (Reuters)