Southwest Airlines considers Boeing 787s for long-haul expansion

Southwest Airlines is reportedly evaluating the acquisition of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft to support its potential expansion into long-haul international routes. This move would mark a significant shift for the carrier, which currently operates an all-Boeing 737 narrow-body fleet.

Sources indicate the airline may aim to launch long-haul services within approximately three years. To expedite this transition, Southwest is considering purchasing new aircraft, leasing, or acquiring used Boeing 787s from the secondary market. While Boeing is a primary candidate, Airbus is also competing for the business with models such as the A321XLR and A330neo.

CEO Bob Jordan has suggested that the airline does not intend to match the massive global networks of competitors like Delta or United, but rather focus on a selective group of roughly eight to twelve long-haul destinations. Potential targets include major European cities such as London, Paris, Rome, and Athens. Any final decision regarding aircraft types and procurement strategies remains subject to approval by the company's board of directors.