Southwest Weighs Boeing 787 Order for Long-Haul International Expansion Within 3 Years

Southwest Airlines (LUV) is evaluating a purchase of dozens of Boeing (BA) 787 Dreamliners as its first widebody aircraft, aiming to launch long-haul international flights in about three years, three people familiar with the matter said. No final aircraft decision has been made, and any plan requires board approval. The airline is studying acquiring jets through leasing companies or the used market to speed deployment. It is unclear which 787 variant is under consideration or whether lease talks have occurred. Southwest formed a fleet oversight committee last year; CFO Tom Doxey said in September that long-haul international routes were among options being evaluated, without announcing a decision. Southwest flies an all-Boeing 737 narrowbody fleet. Airbus (AIR-FR) has pitched the A321XLR, A330neo and smaller A220 as alternatives. Boeing 787 delivery slots are sold out through the end of the decade, potentially limiting how quickly Southwest could take new aircraft. A switch would mark a strategic shift toward competing with Delta (DAL), United (UAL) and American (AAL) on long-haul routes.