According to FlightAware.com, as of January of this year, there were (31) 737-800 Max in the SWA fleet with an additional (249) on order. It is very unlikely Boeing has delivered another 169 in the last couple months, but I'm sure if the count is important to someone, further research could be done. It is, however, an important number because of the percentage of the entire SWA fleet that would be affected by a grounding.
With a count of approximately (750) total aircraft in the SWA, (31) aircraft represent just slightly over 4% of the fleet. With a daily rotation out of service of roughly (50) aircraft for servicing and inspections, the percentage grows to 4.4%. While small, this percentage would, no doubt, impact flight schedules (less flights), and revenue, perhaps even delay opening Hawaii. Overall a significant price to pay. Recovery of losses from Boeing would probably be nill.
I am a "hardcore" SWA Flyer, my first Rapid Rewards number was in the mid-six digits, many, many years and hundreds of flights ago. I have been a regular flyer since the 1950's. I have watched many airlines come and go, but always watched in amazement this "little" airlines grow from three planes, servicing three cities to what it is today. The fulfilment of a dream, actually beyond the dream, of its' late founder Herb Kellerher.
The immediate decision of CEO Gary Kelly to ground their entire fleet should be a no-brainer. Acceptablility of risk, a risk that would appear great at the moment, cannot be measured in lives lost per miles flown (you know, the way auto manufacturers measure vehicle design and defects v. R&D and recall costs). Gary simply needs to ask himself (perhaps somewhat going against his grain), "What would Herb do?".
