Southwest Airlines Leans Toward Boeing 787 Dreamliners for a First Long-Haul International Push, Reuters Reports

LUV is leaning toward BA's 787 Dreamliner as its first widebody jet, to launch long-haul international service, Reuters reported in an exclusive citing three people familiar with the airline's fleet strategy. One source said Southwest has contemplated a fleet of dozens of 787s, and the initiative has been discussed on a roughly three-year timetable, though aircraft availability could change that. Southwest said it does not have any news forthcoming related to its fleet plans, and no decision has been made.

The move would break with Southwest's long-standing all-737 fleet. Airbus is courting the airline with the A321XLR, A330neo and A220, but the sources said the 787 holds the stronger position. Because Boeing's 787 is sold out through the end of the decade, Southwest is also studying lessors and the secondary market to get aircraft sooner.

The ambition is targeted rather than a challenge to the global carriers. CEO Bob Jordan has said Southwest does not need a long-haul network comparable with those of Delta, United or American, and that 8 to 12 long-haul destinations could cover much of where its customers want to travel. A widebody would bring new maintenance and training programs, regulatory approvals and union negotiations over pay and work rules, and any expansion needs sign-off from the board's fleet oversight committee.

What to watch: any formal order or lease announcement, how Southwest secures delivery slots for a sold-out aircraft, and whether Airbus wins part of the business with a narrowbody long-range option such as the A321XLR.