Southwest Airlines, established in 1971, has become the fourth-largest airline in North America. With a fleet of 801 Boeing 737s, it operates the largest fleet of this aircraft in the world, consisting of 342 737-700s, 203 737-800s, and 257 737 MAX 8s, according to the latest data from ch-aviation.
There have been rumors that Southwest Airlines may consider flying to Europe in the future. However, in this article, we will explore why this option is not currently feasible for the low-cost carrier.
Southwest Airlines’ Limited Offering
Currently, Southwest Airlines offers interline agreements with Icelandair, allowing passengers to book connecting flights between the two carriers. From its hub at Keflavik International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavik, Icelandair offers connections to various major cities and popular European vacation destinations, such as London Heathrow Airport (LHR), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), and Tenerife South Airport (TFS).
Currently, the interline agreement between Southwest Airlines and Icelandair is only available through Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). However, it is expected to expand to other US gateways where both airlines operate, such as Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). But instead of relying on Icelandair, why doesn’t Southwest Airlines operate its own flights to Europe? Let’s take a closer look.
Lack of Suitable Aircraft
Southwest Airlines’ fleet consists of over 800 Boeing 737s, and this number is expected to grow in the coming years.
– 342 Boeing 737-700s
– 203 Boeing 737-800s
– 342 Boeing 737 MAX 7s
– 257 Boeing 737 MAX 8s
Although the Boeing 737 MAX 8 can fly across the Atlantic, it is limited in the number of destinations it can operate to. However, other airlines currently use the 737 MAX 8 for transatlantic flights, such as United Airlines between Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Funchal Airport (FNC) in Madeira, and Air Canada between Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
In order to operate transatlantic flights with its Boeing 737 MAX 8s, Southwest Airlines would need to obtain ETOPS certification for the aircraft. This certification would require significant modifications to the airline’s aircraft and operating procedures.
Limited Onboard Product
It is notoriously difficult to make a profit from operating long-haul low-cost flights, as many airlines have tried and failed in the past. This is especially true for airlines that only offer economy class, as the real money in long-haul flights comes from premium classes such as premium economy, business class, and first class.
Southwest Airlines does not currently