Boeing to Lead Southwest Airlines 737 Flight Deck Modernization
SEATTLE, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) has been
selected by Southwest Airlines as the lead integrator for the airline's
737-300/-700 flight deck upgrade to incorporate advanced performance-based
navigation capabilities. Boeing's role will include design, installation and
integration of new hardware and software from multiple suppliers, as well as
flight testing and certification.
Under this large-scale integration program, the 737-300 airplanes will be
modified with new and enhanced avionics supplied by GE Aviation, Honeywell and
Rockwell Collins. The Classic 737s will be equipped with GE's large area
displays which use the latest in LCD technology and more closely align the
737-300 and 737-700 flight decks, creating commonality, and allowing the
737-300 to operate in the same preferred airspace as the newer 737-700s.
The 737-300 enhancements will also position Southwest for additional
features -- currently under development -- that will support future airspace
requirements.
Southwest Airlines, an industry leader in airline efficiency, also is
making a fleet-wide commitment to Required Navigation Performance (RNP)
operations, a navigation technology that enables an aircraft to operate within
a tight corridor of airspace with Global Positioning System guidance. These
RNP enhancements will help the airline reduce fuel consumption, enhance safety
and situational awareness, and minimize aircraft emissions and noise resulting
in improved efficiency and reduced costs.
"Southwest is a great airline and partner and we're proud to support in
their initiatives toward more efficient operations," said Kevin Schemm, vice
president, North America Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Boeing is
committed to working with our customers to introduce environmentally
progressive lifecycle solutions."
"This upgrade program will enhance safety, situational awareness, and fuel
efficiency, and it will allow greater training flexibility due to flight deck
commonality," said Chuck Magill, vice president of Flight Operations at
Southwest Airlines. "But the bottom line is that our customers will benefit
from better performance and continued low fares."
As the original equipment manufacturer, Boeing is uniquely qualified to
provide the lowest risk solution through its intellectual property,
engineering and technical resources, world-class testing and certification
capabilities and long term supplier relationships.
