Southwest Airlines evaluates Boeing 787 Dreamliner for future long‑haul service

Southwest Airlines is assessing the addition of Boeing 787 Dreamliners to its fleet for long‑haul routes, with potential operations starting in about three years, though no final decision or quantity has been set.

The airline has examined dozens of Dreamliners and prefers them over Airbus alternatives such as the A321XLR and A330neo, while also looking at the smaller Airbus A220; Southwest’s current fleet exceeds 800 aircraft, all Boeing 737 models, and limited 787 production availability through the decade may lead it to lease or purchase from other operators.