After receiving three Boeing 737-700s in 2009 originally scheduled for delivery last year, Southwest Airlines is altering its deliveries for 2010.

The deliveries slipping into this year are a result of the Boeing machinists' strike in 2008. Factoring in those aircraft Southwest in 2009 is taking delivery of 13 -700s. Two 737-300 lease returns originally scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2008 were postponed to the current quarter. Including those two returns, Southwest plans to shed 15 aircraft from its fleet this year.

Southwest's revised scheduled for 2010 shows a reduction in deliveries to 10 from an original target of 16 firm deliveries and six optioned aircraft.

The latest fleet forecast for Southwest released by the carrier shows firm 737-700 orders for 2011 falling from 13 aircraft to 10. Firm orders from 2012-13 are steady, with some adjustment in optioned aircraft.

Firm orders in 2014 grow from 10 to 13, rising from 11 to 14 in 2015. In 2016 the carrier's firm orders are to jump from four to 12.

Highlighting the revised schedule, Southwest says: "Since the beginning of 2008, we have reduced our aircraft capital spending requirements by almost $700 million in 2009 and by the same amount in 2010."

Southwest-737-445px 
 © AirTeamImages.com

Source: Flight International