Southwest Airlines is adjusting its hiring plans for 2023 due to Boeing 737 Max delays

Southwest Airlines is adjusting its hiring plans for 2023 due to delays in new aircraft deliveries from Boeing, according to CEO Bob Jordan.

The company had planned to add 7,000 people to its staff this year, but it will now need to “moderate” its targets. This is because Southwest is now expecting to receive only 70 new Boeing 737 Max planes this year, down from its previous forecast of 90. This will reduce the airline’s capacity growth plans by one percentage point.

Southwest is one of Boeing’s biggest customers and operates an all-737 fleet. It has orders for 564 Boeing 737 Max planes through to the end of the decade. However, the repeated delays in deliveries have led to challenges in planning schedules and capacity. Jordan stated that the company is trying to be cautious about its delivery expectations. Meanwhile, the carrier is planning to reduce flight schedules in the last few months of the year due to the delays.