Southwest Airlines is leaning toward the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as its first widebody aircraft as it considers launching long-haul international flights. The carrier has discussed a fleet of dozens of 787s, but no final aircraft decision has been made and the board would ultimately decide.
The review forms part of Southwest’s wider study of long-haul service, with chief financial officer Tom Doxey saying in September that such flying was one of several options under consideration. Any move to the 787 would represent a major shift for the airline, which still operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet.
Southwest has also examined leasing and secondary-market aircraft as a way to bring in jets sooner, given that 787 production is sold out through the end of the decade. The airline has not signalled a final choice on fleet plans, leaving both Boeing and Airbus in contention as it evaluates its next step.