Southwest Airlines unveils new seats and cabin interior for future jets

Southwest Airlines is refreshing its aircraft seats and uniforms as the air carrier looks to modernize its brand.

In partnership with RECARO, an aircraft seating firm founded in Fort Worth, Southwest is adding seats with its heart threaded through the interior and sunray pattern, and an adjustable headrest cushion. The Dallas-based carrier is also working with design firm Tangerine to update cabin interiors for its deliveries next year. The aircraft will still keep the Southwest blue while adding the carrier’s signature heart woven into the carpet. The upgrades also include a personal electronic device holder.

“Southwest flies above our competition with industry-leading flexibility and our legendary hospitality,” said Tony Roach, senior vice president and chief customer officer at Southwest in a release. “Our redesigned cabin interior significantly enhances our inflight customer experience and will complement the amazing service that our crews provide.”

Sunitha Vegerla, general manager of RECARO Aircraft Seating Americas said in a release that the firm has had a long-term goal of working with Southwest.

“From their servant-leadership and people-centric culture to their stance on sustainability and involvement in the community, the similarities we see in our companies’ cultures and values is astounding,” Vegerla said in a statement. “As we look to the future, this partnership is a great milestone in the significance of sustainability and meeting customer needs in every seat design.”

A rendering of Southwest's new upgrades to its fleet.(RECARO)

More than 53,000 Southwest workers will also get a new look with new uniforms, however, the company has not released a date or images of what they will look like.

Through Southwest’s uniform inspiration team designed by 75 Southwest workers and its apparel vendor, Design Collective by Cintas and brand consultant Bonnie Markel, new uniforms are being created for inflight operations, grounds workers, cargo and technical operations.

Southwest also completed upgrades to its Wi-Fi last year. In addition to the new changes, the carrier will add USB-A and USB-C power ports within its new 737 MAX 8 aircraft being delivered. Over the next several years, the MAX 8 and 737-800 aircraft Southwest already is flying will also get these upgrades. Southwest recently revised expectations for aircraft deliveries, and its 2024 plans do not assume placing the Boeing 737 Max 7 in service for 2024.

Last week, Southwest reported a fourth-quarter loss of $219 million. The air carrier is working toward delivering on its financial goals this year.