Southwest Weighs Long-Haul Flights, New Aircraft Type
Southwest Airlines is exploring a potential long-haul strategy that could see the U.S. low-cost carrier introduce a second aircraft type for the first time in its history. Speaking to reporters, CEO Bob Jordan said the airline is evaluating “everything on the table” to meet customer demands it cannot currently fulfill, such as lounges, true premium seating and long-haul international service.
Jordan acknowledged that Southwest’s all-Boeing 737 fleet is not suited for extended international missions. “You’ve got widebody jets that can handle that mission. You’ve got narrowbody jets that can handle that mission,” he said, adding that any major fleet announcement would likely be three to four years away.
The consideration marks a sharp departure from Southwest’s decades-long single-fleet strategy, which has enabled simplified operations and cost savings but limited its route network. Industry analysts note that adding a second aircraft type would be a major operational shift, requiring new pilot training, maintenance protocols and supply chains.
Southwest uses only narrowbody Boeing 737s for its flights, including international services to places like Hawaii, to maintain a single-fleet strategy that minimizes maintenance, training, and operational costs. While widebody aircraft, like the Airbus A321, are often associated with international long-haul routes, they are not part of Southwest’s fleet. However, longer-range narrowbody aircraft, such as the Airbus A321LR and A321XLR, are being used by other airlines for transatlantic and other long-haul routes, a trend that could potentially allow Southwest to offer more international destinations in the future, though their current fleet plan makes this unlikely.
Since 2024, Southwest has been undergoing a significant transformation under pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management. The airline has introduced assigned seating, increased legroom, added red-eye operations, sold off non-core ventures including a sustainable aviation fuels subsidiary and reduced headcount—all steps to modernize its business model.
According to ch-aviation data, Southwest operates 332 Boeing 737-700s, 277 Boeing 737-8s and 203 Boeing 737-800s, with orders for 286 Boeing 737-7s and 186 Boeing 737-8s. Any move toward a second aircraft type would mark a new chapter for the Dallas-based carrier.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com