Southwest Airlines celebrates arrival of first 737-800 aircraft

Southwest Airlines announced (21-Mar-2012) the arrival of the carrier's very first Boeing 737-800 aircraft. The airline took delivery of the new aircraft on 08-Mar-2012 and the aircraft will undergo several regulatory and conformity procedures before it is entered into regularly scheduled service on 11-Apr-2012. With its 175-seat configuration, the 737-800 offers close to a 30% increase in seat capacity compared to the carrier's current fleet. Southwest is planning to take delivery of 33 737-800 aircraft in 2012. [more - original PR]