FA24

https://simpleflying.com/southwest-a220-order/
"It seems that some of the Southwest Airlines team are on a trip to Europe, to ‘kick the proverbial tires’ of an A220. What in the world are Boeing’s most loyal customer doing over at Airbus? Could they really be considering defecting to the ‘other’ side?

Southwest are the most loyal of any airline to Boeing, but it appears that the recent issues with the 737 MAX could have begun to sour their close relationship. Southwest, as the biggest operator of the MAX, were hit the hardest when the aircraft was grounded, and are anticipating it being out of service until at least August.

Could this be enough to turn Southwest against Boeing? It seems it might be, as we’ve recently learned that members of the Southwest team have been away in Europe evaluating the Airbus A220.

This comes despite Southwest CEO Gary Kelly expressing his confidence in the 737 MAX just last week, saying that the airline had no plans to change their orders for the jets. The airline has more MAX jets on order than any other customer. He is quoted as saying:

“Obviously, at this point in time, we don’t have any plans to change there. But like anyone, we’ll have to constantly evaluate what’s available in the marketplace. And we’ve been a Boeing customer all these years, and I think chances are we’ll continue to be a Boeing customer.”

Southwest’s long standing love for Boeing
Back when Southwest was founded, Herb Kelleher made a deal which was sealed on nothing more than a handshake. The deal said that “no airline on Earth would ever pay less for a 737 than Southwest”, and although it wasn’t signed and sealed, that deal has been largely honored over the decades.

Southwest aren’t just a customer of the 737; they have been instrumental in guiding the development of the aircraft too. Over the years, Southwest has provided a cushion to Boeing at times of production peaks and troughs, and they have been the launch customer for the last two generations of the plane too.
..."

Squallrider

Nothing to see here. They said they are obligated to do their due diligence with all aircraft on the market, and I believe it. If we are to get a new frame it’ll probably be SWA leveraging the max situation for a deal on the 797. Herb dropped his airbus lighter very conveniently during a visit to Boeing, they know how to play the field

WHACKMASTER

There seems to be some misconception out there regarding the A220 and the A220-300 in particular. It’s B737-700 in size with MUCH better economics. We have 500+ of those that need to be replaced. JetBlue and in particular Delta got screaming deals on them so I can just imagine how great of a deal we could score if we’re talking about ordering literally hundreds.

The airlines that operate them love them as do pax and pilots. Admittedly, the latter being completely irrelevant in a company’s decision to order a particular aircraft.

ZapBrannigan

I agree with Whack. Some of our colleagues have the misperception that the A220 is an RJ. It’s not. It’s a -700 replacement jet. Burns less gas, several generations more advanced than the Max on the flight deck, and is more comfortable for the customer.

People are always talking about SWA getting bigger airplanes, but if the economics are right, an airplane that allows entry into midsized markets and opening up long, thin routes could be a great addition to the fleet.

Burbank to Manchester nonstop? Burlington to Palm Springs? The A220 will do it.


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4thLevel

Complete BS article based on some notion that it has something to do with the MAX. It doesn't.

Long since debunked. We ain't getting the A220.

BarrySeal

probably an "attention getter" tactic intended for Boeing to clearing see

pugpilot

it has nothing to do with the MAX. 7 months ago GK was asked if we were going to get a bigger plane and he said the plane they will really be looking at going forward is the 220 (at new-hire breakfast).

WHACKMASTER

Good to hear. It’s a no-brainer to take a hard look at that plane. Phenomenal economics and if we can get them at what DLA or JBA got them at....

BarrySeal

It will be interesting to see the cost involved with introducing it to the fleet, training employees, etc etc. Sidestick controller. Two separate pilot groups versus "everybody can fly any airplane [737] we own"



How many sims exist for this airplane ? Or does Delta have the sims all locked-down to themselves ?



it would be cool to fly, looks like the latest and greatest technology.



https://airwaysmag.com/special-fligh...220-inaugural/


https://thepointsguy.com/guides/delt...-where-to-sit/

BobZ

The Pratt GTF is going to be a dominate part of the NB airframe future. So unless boeing can figure out how to fit it to a 737 airframe there is likely going to be an additional type to the SWA fleet.