Boeing 737 Change At Southwest

Southwest has made a landmark change to its Boeing 737, beginning to fly with an all-new configuration.

The change, which is aboard a 737 MAX recently delivered, features a secondary barrier to the flight deck.

This secondary barrier is designed solely with the intent of preventing intrusions from those outside the flight deck, the first flight operating between Phoenix and Denver.

Pilot unions are among the biggest backers for these to be installed, especially following the events of the September 11 attacks, now over 20 years ago, that highlighted what the possibility of a lack of protection can cause for those who are on the flight deck.

Boeing and Airbus spoke with Reuters and confirmed that the secondary barriers required under the FAA’s regulation have been implemented. They’ve begun delivering aircraft to airlines equipped with these barriers.

These preactuoinary measures are being taken to ensure those in the flight deck have the highest safety levels and confidence that they’re protected.

Additionally, it’s a move that aims to give passengers peace of mind, knowing that if something is attempted, there’s a far greater chance the intruder would not be able to penetrate their way into the flight deck, putting those aboard the plane at further risk.

The Boeing 737 Change

The move to install this aboard the 737 MAX is not a surprise, given that the Federal Aviation Administration first outlined the changes in the Reauthorization Act. Still, the actual confirmation came in the middle of 2023.

Following that confirmation, a two-year timeframe, through June 2025, was established for airlines as the period for compliance within the United States; this period has now been extended through 2026.

Extensions are common for rulings such as these; however, there are arguments that delays present further risk, which the airlines have been requesting.

Not all airlines have been entirely fond of the FAA’s move to install such a contraption, despite the apparent benefits of stopping intruders.

In fact, most airlines are coming forward and stating that the extensions, which are now until the midpoint of 2026, give more time to take advantage of not having to begin using the barriers.

Southwest, therefore, is an outsider with the adoption of this, and the decision to immediately begin complying with the latest regulation. This move comes in anticipation of a new batch of 737 MAX deliveries, all of which will incorporate the latest safety change.