Airline Ratings The 737 MAX Momentum is finally building at Boeing with private investment firm 777 Partners agreeing to buy 24 737 MAX jets and taking options on an additional 60. The order follows buys from Alaska Airlines, Virgin Australia, Ryanair, and United Airlines. According to Seeking Alpha, the Miami-based 777 Partners will lease the 737-8s to its affiliated operating ultra-low-cost carriers. Shares in Boeing have jumped to their highest level in a year buoyed by the news that an order from Southwest Airlines for the MAX is also close. And the key to that order maybe the news that former 737 MAX chief engineer Ed Clark has returned to the role. Prior to joining Boeing in 2006 Clark held senior leadership roles at Southwest Airlines.