Will Southwest Order The Boeing 787?

Southwest Airlines is ushering in a new era of international travel, and the Boeing 787 may be just what it needs to execute its long-term growth plan.

International routes account for less than 3% of Southwest’s routes, leaving a major opportunity for the US-based airline to expand into new markets. It has already shown signs of the direction it intends to move in. The only thing left is finding a suitable aircraft, as its horizons are pushing far beyond the current 737 fleet’s capabilities.

Based on its longstanding relationship with Boeing, the 787 family could be a likely candidate for the airline to consider.

What Is Happening At Southwest?

Southwest has been in the headlines lately for monumental changes to its operations. First, by ending its free checked baggage policy and later by issuing seat assignments. Frequent travellers have had mixed reactions to the new policies. However, Southwest has a bigger vision that has made these changes necessary.

Southwest is currently examining its business model globally to expand its reach beyond being a dominant regional operator. The biggest changes are still to come as it begins adding more international destinations to its route schedule.

In 2025, Southwest began establishing airline partners in key global markets to provide a more seamless travel experience for passengers with connecting flights. In Asia, it established partnerships with China Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Air Premia, All Nippon Airways, and EVA Air.

In Europe, its partner airlines include Icelandair, Turkish Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, and Condor Airlines. Although these partnerships require Southwest passengers to transfer airlines during their trip, they signal where the airline ultimately wants to end up.

Southwest is famous for operating an all-Boeing 737 fleet. As of 2026, it has surpassed more than 800 aircraft, including the 737-700, 737-800, and the 737 MAX 8. With its international ambitions, however, the 737 fleet may be out of its league and may require an aircraft better suited to long-haul travel.

Could Southwest Look To The 787 and What Positives?

Since Southwest Airlines took to the skies, it has relied on Boeing aircraft. Its exclusivity to the 737 could soon change if it plans to execute its international travel growth plans better. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner family is the perfect candidate for Southwest to consider.

The 787 family is a widebody, twin-engine aircraft designed with next-generation technology for better fuel efficiency. The family includes the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10, which could deliver many benefits to Southwest’s operations.

The 787 is an ideal aircraft for long-haul flights, with a range of more than 13,500km on the smallest -8 model. United Airlines is the largest 787 customer and is already operating the -8 variant on transatlantic routes between Chicago and Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, and Milan.

One key characteristic of the 787 on transatlantic routes is its ability to serve long, thin routes. It’s a much larger aircraft than any 737 variant, so it’s a good strategy to balance out growing demand without overcommitting to larger aircraft.

Another benefit is Southwest’s current orders waiting to be fulfilled. It has firm orders for hundreds of 737 MAX aircraft, with years of delays on the -7 variant that just received its FAA certification. By the time it receives the last 737 MAX order, it may already be time to upgrade to satisfy its future vision. Alternatively, each 787 variant is currently delivering, and Southwest can secure a delivery slot for faster turnaround if 737 MAX delays continue.

What Are The Risks To The 787 Operation?

Southwest’s consideration of the 787 is all speculation after the airline hinted at thinking about a new aircraft outside of the 737 family. Before placing an order, it will need to conduct a thorough feasibility study. Even on the surface, upgrading its fleet to the 787 family carries a few risks.

The point-to-point network model is key to Southwest Airlines’ success. Its fleet of 737s can serve a wide range of airports and has the ideal capacity on each aircraft to make passenger transport operationally profitable. A larger aircraft like the 787 limits this flexibility. Not every airport can support a 787. Higher capacity requires more demand at larger airport destinations than modest demand across a broad range of airports.

Southwest is already used to delays on the 737 MAX, which pushed back the delivery timeline by years. The 787 is one of Boeing’s most popular next-gen aircraft, with thousands of orders across the family. Unless Southwest can secure a good spot in the backlog, it could be looking at 5 years or more from the order date before it receives its first delivery.

Is This Going To Happen Or Is It Further Down The Line?

It may be another decade or longer before we see the 787 dressed in the Southwest livery. The airline is currently upgrading its fleet, with no 787 order on the immediate timeline.

Southwest’s 737 fleet is aging, and it plans to upgrade the -700 and -800 models with the 737 MAX by 2031. It began retiring many older -700s in the early 2020s, and although the newer -800s still have years of life left, Southwest has decided to sell them to other airlines instead of keeping them in its fleet.

Southwest CEO Bob Jordan has reaffirmed confidence in the 737 MAX program despite delays. As of June 2026, it has 269 orders of the 737 MAX 7, with delivery as early as 2027 contingent on receiving certification. It has already begun receiving the 737 MAX 8 to replace the 737-800 and is awaiting delivery of 177 more of the variant.

The 737 MAX can still perform transatlantic flights with a range of up to 7,000km. But as Southwest continues pushing its destination boundaries, the next aircraft upgrade will need to support long-haul travel better.