Southwest Airlines is gearing up for a major transformation by upgrading its aircraft interiors and switching to an assigned seating model. With new seats offering more legroom and premium features, the airline aims to improve passenger experience and boost revenue through premium seat sales. Let’s dive into the details of what this change means for passengers and the airline.
Why Southwest Is Making Changes
Last year, Southwest Airlines announced its plan to upgrade its aircraft interiors, which include adding more spacious and premium seating options. The airline currently follows an open-seating policy, but by moving to assigned seating, it hopes to attract more customers willing to pay for premium seating. Around one-third of the seats in its fleet will offer extra legroom.
The shift also reflects Southwest’s strategy to enhance its profitability by optimizing seating arrangements. According to Ryan Green, Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, the airline is sticking to its plan to introduce the new seating by mid-year and officially launch flights with assigned seating in the first half of next year.
When and How Will the Retrofitting Take Place?
Southwest will begin the retrofitting process mid-year with its larger Boeing 737-800 aircraft, followed by the smaller Boeing 737-700 models. The goal is to minimize operational disruptions and keep its current fleet fully functional during the transition.
This phased rollout ensures that Southwest can maintain efficiency and meet its target to offer assigned seating across its fleet by early next year. Green shared that Southwest’s tech operations and vendors are fully prepared to handle the upgrade:
“We believe our tech ops facilities, employees, and vendors are well-equipped to update our entire fleet within our timeline.”
Technology and FAA Approvals
Before the changes can officially take off, Southwest must receive key certifications. The airline submitted its new cabin layouts to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approval. Since the new designs involve significant changes, this process is crucial to ensure proper weight and balance certification. Green is optimistic that approval will come by the end of this quarter.
Once the FAA gives the green light, the airline will seek a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to modify its planes from their original design. The company expects to begin the cabin modifications in the second quarter of the year, ramping up the retrofitting efforts for the remainder of the year.
What Will the New Interiors Look Like?
Southwest’s updated cabin design features a modern and refreshed look:
- Deep blue seats with sky-blue accents
- Southwest Heart branding on the carpets and seat headrests
- A sunray pattern on the seats for added aesthetics
- Multi-adjustable headrests for better passenger comfort
- Lumbar-supported backrests and redesigned armrests to maximize space
Costs and Fleet Adjustments
The airline estimates that the cabin retrofits will add $150 million in costs, with most of the expenses expected in the second half of the year. Additionally, Southwest plans to slightly reduce its aircraft count by the end of 2025 as it works toward transitioning to an all-Boeing 737 MAX fleet by 2031.
The retirement of 51 aircraft is scheduled for 2025, and the airline is considering selling 10 additional Boeing 737-800NGs as part of its long-term fleet strategy.
Southwest Airlines’ shift to assigned seating, coupled with upgraded interiors, is a strategic move designed to enhance passenger experience and profitability. With premium seats offering more comfort, the airline hopes to attract passengers willing to pay extra for added convenience. As the retrofitting process kicks off mid-year, Southwest is on track to meet its goal of offering assigned seating on flights by next year.
The upgrades, technological advancements, and fleet adjustments reflect Southwest’s long-term plan to maintain its position as a leading airline while ensuring a modern and comfortable travel experience for its passengers.