Southwest Airlines is rolling out new technology to its Boeing 737 fleet. The goal? Making travel and arrival safe.
Western Airlines is shaking up its no-frills model with a new aircraft design that promises a more “elevated” experience, the same update planned for its existing fleet.
The Dallas-based carrier unveiled its first Boeing 737 max 8 with a comfortable seat this week – complete with the highest level of legroom, new high seats – to reduce the company’s wide push to make new perks for customers.
The new plane, which enters service on Thursday, also includes large high-end bits, USB-A and USB-C power in all seats, device holders and tray tables rearranged with cutouts with two drinks.
A split view shows Southwest Airlines’ Booseing 737 max 8 cabin with a new seat retaro and bright blue lighting, paired with a blue jet, part of a big push to elevate its onboard experience (Southwest Airlines; Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
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“This new aircraft provides a tangible way for our customers to experience our superior product,” the company said in a press release.
The release follows a wave of recent Southwest announcements, including the move from open seats to open seats, a new premium class, and the first resseye flights – the first redeye flights – real flights departing late in the morning.
The airline currently has a “Choose Any Seat” policy, allowing customers to purchase tickets in different boarding groups and select their own seats upon boarding. The assigned seat will be effective in late January.
Last year, the airline began charging for checked bags, ending its longstanding “fly free” policy.
The new R2 seats of Boeing’s Boeing 737 max 8 include built-in device holders, USB-A / C / C / C ports, and two drink holders to improve passenger comfort and convenience. (Southwest Airlines / foxbusiness)
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Moves Mark the great strategies of Southwest’s intense strategies, which for decades have resisted separating the cabin, offering premium services or baggage charges. Airline industry analysts see it as a bid to compete with other major airlines such as Delta and United.
Southwest moves into that same competitive area for the first time.
“Moving to premium seating and offering Premium Legroom options will be a revolutionary change that cuts across nearly every aspect of the company,” Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said in July.
The new Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft is equipped with Premium Rebaro R2 seats. The German company is best known for making high storage seats for cars and airplanes; The first racing car seats were developed before going to the plane.
The new Retaro R2 Extra R2 Extra R2 Extrem Gook seats feature a blue solar design and five extra centimeters of Legroom, part of the release of the seats in the Premium area sitting in 2026. (Foxbusiness)
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The New-Look Cabin features updated carpeting and a palette of blue tones, with a line based on extensive research into the onboard theme. Southwest says that the fresh interior is meant to feel present, very welcoming to the southwest.
Southwest will use more than half of its Boeing 737-700s by adding in-seat power — work expected to begin in the second half of 2026 and be completed by mid-2027.
It’s free–In-flight Wi-Fi by T-Mobile will be offered on all fast rewards deals later this month, and the company also plans to refresh its staff uniforms.
