Southwest CEO Bob Jordan denied reports of a Boeing 787 order on the airline's October 22nd, 2026 earnings call, calling the claims "no credibility." Two weeks earlier, Reuters had reported that unnamed sources said Southwest was exploring 787s for long-haul flying, possibly leased or second-hand, with a potential launch window of roughly three years.
Jordan cited business model changes as the obstacle. A widebody aircraft with more than 175 seats would require renegotiating the pilot contract, likely opening next year. He said another 737 variant would be "significantly easier" and that long-haul flying would be upside "if we decide to pursue that."
This denial echoes Southwest's past statements. In July 2024, Jordan told investors that free checked bags ranked as the number one reason customers chose Southwest. On September 17, 2024, a Southwest spokesperson told The Points Guy there was "no work currently underway" to change the policy. Six months later, on March 11, 2025, Southwest ended free checked bags, introducing fees of $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second on flights booked on or after May 28, 2025. Jordan then said free bags were not part of the airline's DNA.
Southwest also introduced assigned seating on January 27, 2026, with eight boarding groups and four fare tiers, ending the open seating that had defined the carrier. The airline has added 11 lounges, launched a premium credit card, and now offers first class, mirroring competitors like Delta and United.
In the third quarter, Southwest's revenue per available seat mile jumped 21.6% while capacity fell 0.4%, suggesting growth came from pricing and fees rather than expanded flying. Domestic markets are mature, and international expansion remains the clearest growth path. Southwest partners with Icelandair, China Airlines, EVA Air, and Turkish Airlines, with international loyalty redemptions launching next spring.