Southwest Now Talking Europe and South America.

Darryl · 09-16-2009, 02:32 AM

ATW Daily News

Swaman · 09-16-2009, 03:28 AM

I wonder what they will use to fly to Europe because the 737s can't handle that?

Jet 8595 · 09-16-2009, 04:13 AM

probably 777's, like Virgin Blue and V Australia

Thomas32125 · 09-16-2009, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swaman

I wonder what they will use to fly to Europe because the 737s can't handle that?

I would prefer the 787 if it'll ever get in the air...

Airbus or Boeing?

First: Airbus

A330

A340

or an A380

Thomas32125 · 09-16-2009, 05:24 AM

now Boeing:

B747

B757

B767

B777

B787

Jet 8595 · 09-16-2009, 06:20 AM

They should go Boeing

ccs757 · 09-16-2009, 07:38 AM

OMG that 757 looks so cool!!!!!

Flyin' Hawaiian · 09-16-2009, 07:50 AM

Interesting. It will be interesting to see what they choose.

Justino · 09-16-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccs757

OMG that 757 looks so cool!!!!!

Is that the new mid-fuselage dorsal fin being applied to 757s to give them more range!!??

Kind of funny to see a wingletted 757 with a BA Landor 747 in the background... (yes, I know the winglets were added to the photo, hence that ugly looking thing ontop of the fuselage that is supposed to look like the other winglet)

Being realistic now, I can see WN going for 737-900ERs for the European aircraft, that way they still keep the fleet commonality along with an increase in range and payload. The 73Gs they already have would be good for South America...DL flies their 73Gs from ATL to destinations in South America.

asj410 · 09-16-2009, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justino

Is that the new mid-fuselage dorsal fin being applied to 757s to give them more range!!??

Kind of funny to see a wingletted 757 with a BA Landor 747 in the background... (yes, I know the winglets were added to the photo, hence that ugly looking thing ontop of the fuselage that is supposed to look like the other winglet)

Being realistic now, I can see WN going for 737-900ERs for the European aircraft, that way they still keep the fleet commonality along with an increase in range and payload. The 73Gs they already have would be good for South America...DL flies their 73Gs from ATL to destinations in South America.

Dude, everyone knows that the 757-200's right winglet is 15 feet taller than the left winglet. Boeing discovered that asymmetrical winglet heights further reduce fuel consumption by 332.8% compared with symmetrical winglets. Apparently, Southwest also joined the Star Alliance when they picked up their asymmetrically-wingletted 757s.

Seriously though, I'm pretty sure the 737-700 has a little bit more range than the -900(ER). At least that's what Boeing is showing on their 737 range chart. So I'm a little skeptical about WN picking those up for the transatlantic stuff. If they're going to keep with the 737, then I would think the -700(ER) would be a possibility. But that's an awfully small aircraft...

AnonCollector · 09-16-2009, 12:24 PM

Please, people. WN doesn't even serve Canada, Mexico or the Caribbean yet (markets they could serve with the current fleet), and you're taking this musing seriously? Maybe in 10 years it will happen, but a lot of things will come to pass between now and then.

I was also amused to see that WN joined star alliance.

CcrlR737pilot · 09-16-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asj410

Dude, everyone knows that the 757-200's right winglet is 15 feet taller than the left winglet. Boeing discovered that asymmetrical winglet heights further reduce fuel consumption by 332.8% compared with symmetrical winglets. Apparently, Southwest also joined the Star Alliance when they picked up their asymmetrically-wingletted 757s.

Seriously though, I'm pretty sure the 737-700 has a little bit more range than the -900(ER). At least that's what Boeing is showing on their 737 range chart. So I'm a little skeptical about WN picking those up for the transatlantic stuff. If they're going to keep with the 737, then I would think the -700(ER) would be a possibility. But that's an awfully small aircraft...

ANA and Privatair are the only two that operate the BBJ and ER versions of the 700 series. That would be a stretch but if other airlines like Delta/NWA, Continental, and American fly the 757 trans-atlantic, then someone can do the 737 the same way. it would be a good idea, but it is up to the passengers if they want to be on a 737 for 6-7 hours with no entertainment.

asj410 · 09-16-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CcrlR737pilot

it would be a good idea, but it is up to the passengers if they want to be on a 737 for 6-7 hours with no entertainment.

...don't the F/As on WN still play games with the pax on those longer flights?

Prestwick Pioneer · 09-16-2009, 03:00 PM

Globespan have been using 737-600s across the pond so dont rule out anything

Mastershake747 · 09-16-2009, 03:24 PM

I am really curious as to what aircraft they will choose to fly these routes should they choose to fly to Europe and South America. Their 737's could fly from Love Field to the upper parts of S.America right? For Europe I would really love to see what they muster up for the long hall. I hope a 777. I wonder if you could still pick your own seat or if there will still be a first class.

Mastershake747 · 09-16-2009, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Thomas32125

now Boeing:

Yes. This is a beauty. I hope this happens!

ccs757 · 09-16-2009, 03:33 PM

Aerolineas Argentinas operates daily 737-700s from Buenos Aires to Caracas and Bogota, and the flight time is 7 hours!

my dad's asistant had to take that flight, she said it was boring as h*ll!!!! that it feels claustrophobic to be 7 hours on such a small plane!!

mjabbasi · 09-16-2009, 03:55 PM

I don't think this would be a very good idea. SW should stick to where they're currently flying. The name/brand 'Southwest' has always been associated with domestic US travel unless they operate overseas flights under the name 'Southwest International'.

Prestwick Pioneer · 09-16-2009, 05:36 PM

The 777 would burn more fuel, the A332 would be a better option.

Swaman · 09-16-2009, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prestwick Pioneer

The 777 would burn more fuel, the A332 would be a better option.

Southwest has and had an all Boeing fleet. They won't choose any Airbus.

A Tupolev · 09-16-2009, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjabbasi

I don't think this would be a very good idea. SW should stick to where they're currently flying. The name/brand 'Southwest' has always been associated with domestic US travel unless they operate overseas flights under the name 'Southwest International'.

Yeah right like:

Qatar International

Air France International

British Airways International

Japan Airlines International

Delta International

China Eastern International

Northwest International

American International

I could go on, but its my nap time.

JFK'ER · 09-16-2009, 06:43 PM

Not that I'm familiar with the slot system, but is there any room at any of the major Euro cities airports to accept newcomers? South America I can see. Mexico would be a nice starting point.

Darryl · 09-16-2009, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prestwick Pioneer

The 777 would burn more fuel, the A332 would be a better option.

Complete myth.

Care to play "Double Jeopardy?"

Darryl · 09-16-2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swaman

Southwest has and had an all Boeing fleet. They won't choose any Airbus.

Funny you mention that. At the upcoming SFO Airliners show, I am scheduled to have lunch with a good friend, whom just happens to be a retired Airbus North America salesman. When I once asked if a sales model of an A320 in SWA colors existed, he replied "Yes."

It most likely is in the possession of Herb Kelleher.

An A320 model in "Mustard Rocket" colors is one rare puppy.

As to what the future holds...

09-16-2009, 07:50 PM

It very well could happen, a lot of people forget that US Airways is actacually an LCC, too....pretty sure SWA'll pick up 763s if they ever move from the 737.

Totally welcome to the idea, but there's a friend of the indusry in Ireland that might not be so happy.....

BoeingFlyer11 · 09-16-2009, 08:29 PM

they should use 737's and 757's EUROPE!>!>! awesome!

mjabbasi · 09-17-2009, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Tupolev

Yeah right like:

Qatar International

Air France International

British Airways International

Japan Airlines International

Delta International

China Eastern International

Northwest International

American International

I could go on, but its my nap time.

Those are airlines that have been flying overseas routes for decades and I have mentioned in what context I was making the above reference to.

asj410 · 09-17-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mjabbasi

Those are airlines that have been flying overseas routes for decades and I have mentioned in what context I was making the above reference to.

Not taking any side here, but what about when Piedmont decided to pick up some 767-200s to start flying to London in 1987?

tREv d. · 09-17-2009, 04:13 PM

Out of those planes posted, the A340 looks the best. However, Southwest has made it clear that they are all-boeing, being American. I doubt Southwest goes through with this.