Southwest Airlines to Install New Seats on 800 Aircraft in 8 Months

2 dni temu

DALLAS- Southwest Airlines (WN) is undertaking an ambitious 8-month retrofit of 800 Boeing 737 aircraft, installing new seats and assigned seating by early 2026.

This strategic overhaul, driven by customer demand and investor pressure, marks a historic shift from Southwest’s open seating and “Bags Fly Free” policies. The retrofit prioritizes efficiency, leveraging overnight downtime to upgrade up to ten aircraft per night.

Southwest Retrofit 800 Boeing 737

Southwest Airlines (WN) is accelerating a comprehensive retrofit of its Boeing 737 fleet, targeting completion within eight months.

Announced in February 2024, the new cabin design features lightweight Recaro seats with a modern blue colorway, integrated device holders, and USB-A/USB-C charging ports.

The retrofit supports Southwest’s shift to assigned seating, a departure from its 50-year open seating tradition, prompted by customer feedback and competitive pressures.

Approximately one-third of seats will offer premium legroom, ranging from 34 to 36 inches, compared to 31 inches for standard seats.

The airline plans to retrofit up to ten aircraft per night, utilizing limited red-eye schedules to maximize downtime at maintenance facilities like Dallas Love Field (DAL).

The retrofit also includes aesthetic and functional upgrades, such as patterned cabin carpets and larger overhead lockers on select aircraft.

These changes align with Southwest’s broader business strategy overhaul, which includes phasing out its “Bags Fly Free” policy for most passengers.

The accelerated timeline reflects pressure from activist investor Elliott, pushing Southwest to enhance revenue through premium seating and assigned seating by early 2026.

Southwest’s Premium Seating

Southwest’s premium seating initiative allocates about 1/3 of seats per aircraft to extra legroom options.

On older Boeing 737-700s, approximately 40 seats will offer 36 inches of legroom, though these aircraft will retain existing seats reupholstered in the new design without in-seat power.

Other aircraft, including newer 737 models, will feature 34 inches of legroom in premium sections.

Around 120 aircraft with Meridian seats, already equipped with in-seat power, will be reconfigured by adjusting seat positions to create premium zones.

The new Recaro seats, installed on most aircraft, ensure a consistent, modern cabin experience with charging capabilities.

The move to assigned seating stems from customer surveys indicating strong preferences. 80% of current Southwest passengers and 86% of potential customers favor assigned seating over the open seating model.

This shift, coupled with the introduction of premium seats, aims to attract higher paying passengers and boost revenue.

The decision to limit the “Bags Fly Free” policy to loyal frequent flyers reflects Southwest’s response to investor demands for profitability.

Elliott’s influence has driven these changes, positioning Southwest to compete more effectively with carriers offering differentiated seating options.

Operational Efficiency in Retrofit

Southwest’s retrofit program leverages operational efficiencies to meet its aggressive timeline. With a limited red-eye schedule, most aircraft are grounded overnight, allowing maintenance teams to update cabins without disrupting daytime operations.

The program’s scale, 800 aircraft in eight months, requires precise coordination across Southwest’s maintenance hubs, including Dallas Love Field (DAL) and other major airports.

By prioritizing aircraft with newer Meridian seats for reconfiguration and focusing Recaro seat installations on specific models, Southwest optimizes resources while ensuring a consistent passenger experience.

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