Southwest Airlines to again operate larger airplanes

Southwest Airlines (Dallas) moved one step closer to ordering and adding larger Boeing 737-800s. The company announced its Pilots, represented by the Southwest Airlines’ Pilots’ Association (SWAPA), voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached with the company in October to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective bargaining agreement. With this positive vote, the Pilots’ current contract will also be extended by one year, becoming amendable August, 2012, and will include the potential for wage rate increases based on the company’s financial performance. SWAPA is made up of more than 5,600 Southwest Pilots.

Southwest will now move forward finalizing discussions with the Boeing Company regarding substitutions of the 737-800s for the -700 positions, and configuration and equipage options. Southwest currently expects to take delivery of its first 737-800 in the first quarter of 2012. Two weeks ago, Southwest Flight Attendants, represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, ratified its tentative agreement reached with the Company to add the Boeing 737-800 to its current collective bargaining agreement.

Copyright Photo: Bruce Drum. Almost back to the future. WN previously operated the Boeing 727-200 (twice) on its biggest routes. Please click on the photo for additional details.