Fri, Dec 03, 2010
Company Set To Move Forward With Decision To Add The Larger 737
To Its Fleet
Southwest Airlines pilots union has voted to ratify a tentative
agreement to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective
bargaining agreement. The agreement was reached between the airline
and the Southwest Airlines' Pilots' Association (SWAPA) in October.
With this positive vote, the Pilots' current contract will also be
extended by one year, becoming amendable August, 2012, and will
include the potential for wage rate increases based on the
Company's financial performance. SWAPA is made up of more than
5,600 Southwest Pilots.
"We've said all along that we wouldn't introduce a new aircraft
type into the fleet without involving our Flight Crews as part of
our deliberations," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "Since we
began evaluating the opportunity to introduce the Boeing 737-800
into our fleet, both our Pilots and Flight Attendants quickly
grasped the potential benefits along with the added operational
complexities associated with this decision. All Southwest Employees
and Customers should be excited at the opportunities adding the
737-800 to our fleet will bring."
"Our pilot group has spoken, and wants the addition of this
airframe into our fleet," said Capt. Carl Kuwitzky, SWAPA
President. "Today's (Wednesday's) agreement should pave the way for
Southwest Airlines to proceed with their plans, and the pilots look
forward to watching the growth that these new planes should bring
with them."
The Company will now move forward finalizing discussions with
the Boeing Company regarding substitutions of the 737-800s for the
-700 positions, and configuration and equipage options. Southwest
currently expects to take delivery of its first 737-800 in the
first quarter of 2012. Two weeks ago, Southwest Flight Attendants,
represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, ratified
its tentative agreement reached with the Company to add the Boeing
737-800 to its current collective bargaining agreement.
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