Southwest Airlines became the first airline in North America to offer scheduled service utilizing the Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The inaugural MAX 8 flight departed Dallas’ Love Field and flew to Houston, one of the carrier’s original markets first flown in 1971.

“Today, we begin a new chapter in Southwest’s history by introducing the Boeing 737 MAX 8 to our customers and employees,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest chairman and CEO. “The MAX 8 is the future of the Southwest fleet, and we look forward to connecting Customers to the important moments in their lives through our legendary service delivered with this more fuel-efficient aircraft designed to produce less noise in the communities we serve.”

Southwest launched nine Boeing 737 MAX 8 into service on October 1 and expects to end 2017 with 14 of the aircraft. Based upon the delivery schedule, as of July 25, 2017, the airline has 200 firm orders for a combination of MAX 7 and MAX 8.