Southwest's expected 2024 Boeing jet deliveries keep shrinking, sources say

Southwest Airlines expects aircraft deliveries from Boeing this year to come in at only about half of the airline's estimate in March of 46, putting further pressure on the US budget carrier's growth plans, three people familiar with the matter said. Boeing's overall deliveries fell by half in March as 737 MAX production slumped on increased quality checks and regulatory audits as it grapples with a safety crisis sparked by a January mid-air cabin panel blowout on an Alaska Air flight. The jetmaker's woes have rippled throughout the industry, but Southwest, which operates an all-Boeing fleet, is one of the hardest-hit. The Dallas-based airline has already warned of a reduction in full-year capacity due to lack of aircraft. It has stopped hiring pilots and is spending more to repair older planes even as it seeks to rein in costs. Southwest originally planned on receiving 85 Boeing MAX jets this year. That estimate has already been slashed twice. It now expects only about 20 deliveries this year, compared with 46 estimated last month, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, adding that the number could change. The airline received just five aircraft from Boeing in Q1, down from 29 a year ago, according to the planemaker's delivery data. In a statement to Reuters, Southwest said it remains in close contact with Boeing as the manufacturer continues to refine its delivery schedule. Boeing was not immediately available for comment.<br/>