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
I absolutely love Southwest Airlines and have been flying with them for almost 30 years. So if you hate them, why are you here in the celebration of their achievments? Can't wait for an 800 to get into the San Antonio route so we can have a chance to fly on one. Congratulations SWA!
What's to hate about Southwest? It's the most generous airline in terms of free baggage and lack of change fees. I will only fly on Southwest when I have the opportunity!
Negative energy is not healthy! Hope you feel better soon!
The great thing about our country is that you are free to have an opinion and express it wherever you like. But have a little class and self-respect. I bet you burp and fart in public too. Just because you can, doesn't mean you always should. Inappropriate. This is an article about arguably the most successful airline in the country adding benefits to passenger service and the best you can do is "I hate southwest.". That's a real problem you've got there. I feel sorry for anyone who has to live any part of their life near you.
Hi ..not sure why you hate SW; I can tell why I like. I am a frequent flyer and I take about 40-50 round trips each year for the last 11 years. I moved to SW last year and I am glad I did. The fares are overall cheaper; the customer service is better than W
every other American airline; and most importantly for me, they are on time. I had no delays since I started traveling last may.
So, what are your reasons?
I Love Southwest!
TOO BAD FOR YOU JASON..SO MUCH NEGATIVE ENERGY WITH HATE IN
YOUR LIFE..STRONG ENERGY WASTED OVER WHAT?
I'M JUST GRATEFUL SWA AVAILABLE WHEN AND WHERE I NEED THEM..
WITHOUT THE HI FARES AND HASSEL OF THE OTHER AIRLINES!
As opposed to which airline?
What, is Jason a disgruntled former SW employee? I don't know if he could be, I've never flown an airline with more friendly staff who are are so happy to work for their company. i don't use any other carrier anymore, Southwest is by far the best! And I don't work for them, I'm just a customer! Sorry Jason.
Hater. Your a jerk. Grow up