- Southwest Airlines is reportedly leaning toward the Boeing B787 family for long-haul operations
- An order would break from Southwest’s exclusively narrowbody B737 business model
- Southwest operates a fleet of 823 aircraft
- The fleet comprises 290 B737-700s, 343 B737-8s and 190 B737-800s
- No final aircraft decision has been made
Southwest Airlines is reportedly leaning toward the Boeing B787 family as it considers launching long-haul international flights, according to three people familiar with the carrier’s fleet planning. If an order is placed, it would break away from Southwest’s long-held business model of operating exclusively narrowbody B737 aircraft. No final aircraft decision has been made, and the choice rests with the company’s board.
Southwest Airlines operates a fleet of 823 aircraft, comprising 290 B737-700s, 343 B737-8s and 190 B737-800s. The carrier has traditionally operated a point-to-point model within the United States. The consideration of widebody aircraft would represent a significant shift in strategy.
Southwest has been expanding its operations in recent years. The airline recently launched the Enter Airplane Mode campaign and introduced Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet. The potential addition of B787 aircraft would support long-haul international expansion.
