Southwest Sends Oldest 737s to Graveyard as Max Joins Fleet
- Aircraft shift to happen as 30 Classics head to desert storage
- Bigger Max burns less fuel and can fly farther than -300s
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Southwest Airlines Co. is set to pull off an aviation high-wire act this weekend as it sends 30 of its oldest planes to a desert graveyard just 24 hours before launching the newest version of its staple 737 jetliner.
The changeover will usher in the latest fresh start for Boeing Co.’s bread-and-butter passenger plane, extending Southwest’s almost 50-year dedication to the 737 model. Saying goodbye to the old jets will reduce maintenance and fuel costs and improve on-time performance, while the new, bigger 737 Max offers more advanced technology and design.