One of the most satisfying aspects of my job is to work alongside my colleagues to plan and execute exciting major companywide strategic initiatives. I’m pleased to report significant progress that we’ve made recently on one of these, which is a fleet modernization plan to ensure that we maintain a safe, efficient, and Customer-friendly fleet. Last month, we made a huge announcement regarding the evolution of our planes with the 737 MAX expected to join the Southwest fleet in 2017. Today, we have more big news regarding the interior of our Boeing 737-700s. Allow me to introduce you to EVOLVE: The New Southwest Interior, an eco-friendly, cost-efficient new look for our cabin with an emphasis on
comfort and personal space.
We will begin retro-fitting our Boeing 737-700 aircraft with the new interior this March, and we expect to have that done by the end of next year (2013).
EVOLVE will maximize the space inside our planes, and grants us the opportunity to increase the number of seats on board from 137 to 143, without sacrificing the Customers' personal space. In fact, sleeker seats will provide additional space under each seat for carryon luggage and approved pet carriers. To be clear, it was never our objective to add a row of seats, and the extra row isn't the main reason for this redesign. Once we examined how much space would be saved, it was determined we could accommodate the increase, without sacrificing comfort.
Remember the Green Plane? The materials tested on the Green Plane are being incorporated into the Evolve interior. Each seat is lighter by nearly six pounds, which adds up to a savings of 635 pounds per aircraft (even with the extra row) and is expected to result in more than $10 million in ongoing annual cost savings. The new seats are made using E-Leather, an eco-friendly, lightweight, and scuff resistant alternative to traditional leather. E-Leather is made from natural leather fiber that is upgraded and combined with a high performance core utilizing eco-friendly technology. The seat cover is manufactured by Irvin Automotive of Pontiac, MI, and they produce high quality covers quickly and at a much lower cost than our current manufacturer.
The new design also makes the bottom cushion lighter and more comfortable. These seats are better for your back, and provide better lumbar support.
We're also installing a fixed wing headrest on each seat that will provide for a more relaxing experience, especially if you decide to take a snooze.
We've replaced the seatback pocket with a netted pocket that's not only more form-fitting to the seat which allows for more knee room, but also makes it easier to see what items have been stowed in it.
Additionally, we're rolling out some new carpet… well, quite the opposite actually. Completely recyclable, carbon-neutral carpet will be laid in squares, rather than rolls, which eliminates the need for total carpet replacement. The new carpet will reduce labor and material costs and is fully recyclable at the end of its life-cycle.
Under the seat, we're replacing our current life vest pouches with lighter, more environmentally-friendly pouches. This is also one of the main reasons you'll have more space under your seat: each pouch is smaller and about one pound lighter.
As you can see, the redesign is inspired by Southwest's past with a nod to its future (and our commitment to being a Green Company). Natural, earthy tones combined with our Canyon blue and clean, aluminum accents give our Red Bellies a more modern, fresh appeal.
So about those extra seats: we hope to start making those additional seats for sale on southwest.com here by the end of the first quarter, for travel in the second quarter. Of course, this isn't as easy as flipping a switch; we will gradually introduce those extra seats into the system as newly retro-fitted planes come online. Needless to say, we’re excited to EVOLVE our cabin experience!
Hope you enjoy this 360-degree tour of EVOLVE:
As always, thanks for flying on Southwest!
Comments
I notice we don't see a lot on the fact that there has been a major reduction in seat pitch...oh well, it is already cramped so I guess I will just get to know the head of the person in front of me even better.
I fly SW 95% of the time and I am also a business traveler. I like the look of the new interior but am *very* disappointed that a larger seat option was not provided. I am a big fattie but since I am able to both put the armrest down and click my seatbelt, I don't feel it necessary to pay DOUBLE in order to fly. However, I *would* regularly pay a premium ($40-80?) to have a larger seat. Not just for comfort but for the extra space it would put between me and another passenger. Not feeling squeezed like a sardine would be worth a bit extra money. From the posts here and on other forums, this would a popular choice on SW. Alas, it seems the creativity dept at SW must have been cut at some point.
Look SW, just forget the extra row. Put on your "big boy" (yes, that's right) pants and put in ONE row of fattie seating. 4 seats, not 6 usual seats and charge a premium for them. Revenue solved, happy customers, WIN-WIN.
I'm 6'3" and got to sit in these seats the other day. They're comfortable for me .I'm sure they'll be comfortable for anyone shorter than I am as well. :)
How is replacing life vests, etc. ecofriendly? What happens to everything you're replacing?
I'm 5'6" and the curve in the back of the seat is not comfortable. The width of the seats is better than other airlines.
Just got back from CA. Must say, your fleet really does need revamped! Flew from Midway (Chicago) to Ontario (CA) in a very 'well worn' plane and was planning on sending an email about how shabby it looked. Flew home from Ontario (CA) to Midway (Chicago) last night on one of the new designs - what a difference - it was beautiful, but........no more leg room than before. For me, a 6'2" woman, the leg room was probably slightly less!!! I would have to disagree that adding the extra row does not affect 'personnal space' - I think it does!
It looks nice and clean, but it's too bad they didn't opt to spread the extra space out to give an extra bit of room to each row. In the 360 view, the guy sitting in front of the reclined chair still looks incredibly cramped. The extra room could have been a good selling point, but they went for adding more people over comfort. It's so cramped on airlines now that if you drop something on the floor, you can't bend over to pick it up until the plane lands and everyone is getting off. Used to be you could cross your legs on a plane, but those days are gone.
Any Idea when we'll see our first "Red Belly" in Pensacola ?
I have always loved Southwest's colorful planes and I am glad to see lighter and greener added to the identity. I also detect a hint of creating jobs for Americans in the manufacturing process of the seats, but I want to know where I need to be to get the installation and seat testing job. Is there a seat-tester focus group? Where do I sign up to test out the new seats and carry-on luggage space. That sounds like the next-best job (created just for me) above the planet earth.
If I fly SWA more often would that make me a Pilot for Southwest job creator. That has to be the best American Job on earth. SWA customers should have their own commercial about how much fun it is to create SWA American Jobs.
I'm not running for president, I'm Just Sayin'
Spread the Love,
Linda M
We were passengers on the Southwest plane Shamoo on the Feb. 5 flight #504 from Manchester, NH to Jacksonville, FL. We loved the extended leg room, new E leather seats and new carpeting. The crew was outstanding especially flight attendant Susan. As always Southwest offers customers the best in the industry.
Your question was not answered so I think you can assume the pitch decreased. But let's be honest here folks. You want to get from a to b cheap and they are doing their best to accommodate that, if you wanted more comfort you would be buying first class tix on another carrier.