Many of you have been following our updates as our new 737-800 moved through the construction process and through the first test flight on February 23. One of those steps was the “in-person” introduction today to members of the media, Southwest Employees, and guests at events hosted in Dallas.
The day kicked off with a media preview of the new aircraft, followed by an Employee celebration. At the media preview, Southwest Executives Mike Van de Ven and Brian Hirshman displayed the aircraft to reporters, showcasing the highlights of the -800’s features like the new Boeing Sky Interior, as well as discussing how the -800 will allow us to add overwater routes and more capacity to slot-restricted airports. Boeing Vice President and Program Manager for the 737 Program, Bev Wyse, closed out the media presentation with a recap of Southwest’s long association with the 737.
Then the aircraft taxied over to the Employee event, where it was dedicated and named Warrior One in salute of the Southwest Employees’ Warrior Spirit. The 737-800 will take our airline to new places and allow us compete in highly competitive, but highly restricted markets like LaGuardia, so it’s only fitting that we name it Warrior One to reflect that “can do” attitude.
This is a beautiful aircraft, and I know our Customers will love it, but it also plays an important strategic role in our future. Warrior One and the other -800s carry 175 passengers, which is a whopping 28 percent increase over our current fleet configuration. Besides improving our unit costs per flight, the -800 gives us opportunities for longer-haul flying and schedule flexibility by adding capacity in those high-demand, slot-controlled, or gate-restricted airports.
The Boeing Sky Interior offers a quieter, more comfortable environment for Customers with taller ceilings and more overhead bin space, improved operational security features, and ambient LED reading and ceiling lighting. Besides being more effective, the new interior is energy efficient. Also, our great Flight Attendants can match the lighting to the mood onboard the aircraft—subdued at night or bright and festive for a Las Vegas flight.
After the formal part of the event, Employees were allowed to tour the aircraft and see firsthand the new Boeing Sky Interior with its improved sidewalls, larger overheads, and new ceiling with mood lighting.
After some final certifications, Warrior One and our second 737-800 will be set to enter scheduled service on April 11. I hope you all have
a chance to fly on a brand new Southwest -800 very soon!
Comments
Dear SWA,
I fly SWA in my job and I fly PHL to RNO to see kids and grandkids. It has always been a positive experience. The crews are the best of hosts and I believe it is because they all love their jobs, who they're doing it for and it shows. I can't wait to board and fly the new '800'!!!
Lou Peters
Lewes, De.
overwater this is great been waiting for flights to maui on southwest
When will you be flying to Oahu? Warrior Fans (University of Hawaii) would like to know!
I have been flying Southwest exclusively for the past five years and secretly wondered what I was missing on the "frills" flights - as Southwest proudly boasts that it is the "no-frills" carrier... Last month (a result of someone else booking my travel) I flew Delta, American and US Air and found that what I have been missing is LESS legroom on coach and fee's for everything! Thank you Southwest- YOU ARE #1 !
Since flying SW for the first time about 5 years ago realizing they were the only airline that still don't charge for bags and have open seating. I have chosen SW every flight since and wouldn't have it any other way! It was amazing flying with an infant, they had empty seats on all flights I have flown with my baby and I was able to have his own seat for him even though I didn't pay a dime extra for it. We got lucky with the flights not being at capacity but still amazing service. My family has never had such great customer service and great flights that save us money as what SW offers. I will use them indefinitely and hope they continue to thrive in the economy. They must be doing something right to be able to invest in a plane like this. Go SW Airlines!
WHICH ROUTES WILL IT FLY?
SO sad Jason... HATE is why our world is the way it is! Congrats SWA! I am happy to fly SWA :)
That's great. We love Southwest, but we need this new plane flying to Hawaii.
This looks amazing and we will be flying in August and hopefully will be able to have this plane for our flight.
Jason.....Grow up !