Southwest Airlines is enhancing their guest experience with the modernization of brand elements, including a redesigned cabin, new seats, and a team member uniform refresh. The new RECARO seats will debut in 2025.
On Friday (February 2, 2024), Southwest Airlines announced a modernization of brand elements to improve the guest experience. Plans include redesigned aircraft cabin interiors featuring new RECARO seats, as well as the addition of power ports and larger overhead bins on existing Boeing 737-8 MAX and 737-800s. Additionally, the carrier has announced a uniform refresh that will provide over 53,000 Southwest team members with a new, modern look.
The updated cabin design will be featured on new aircraft for deliveries from 2025, bringing to life Southwest’s warm energy with deep blue tones, sky blue accents, an a nod to the carrier’s iconic heart woven throughout the carpet. Southwest has also selected new RECARO seats, following extensive customer research and product testing. The seats feature an adjustable headrest cushion designed for ultimate comfort, while maximizing seat width and overall support, as well as a personal electronic device holder. Southwest’s new cabin design was created in partnership with design firm Tangerine.
In Friday’s announcement, Southwest’s SVP and Chief Customer Officer, Tony Roach, said,
“Southwest flies above our competition with industry-leading flexibility and our legendary Hospitality. Our redesigned cabin interior significantly enhances our inflight Customer experience and will complement the amazing service that our Crews provide.”
Commenting on Southwest’s new seat selection, RECARO Aircraft Seating and RECARO Holdings’ CEO, Mark Hiller, Ph.D., said,
“RECARO is proud to collaborate on expanding our footprint in the Americas, especially when working with a local partner like Southwest who began their story at the same time as us. Our new seat will be a great addition to the Southwest Customer Experience, as its durable design and comfort features will serve Passengers well.”
Tangerine’s Chief Creative Officer, Matt Round, added,
“We’re delighted to be part of Southwest's historic journey and next phase in their modernization plan. We’ve listened to Southwest's Customers and Employees and responded by creating a distinctive new cabin interior that meets and exceeds their desires. By working closely with Southwest and all suppliers involved, we were able to ensure the design intent was executed in the cabin to the highest possible quality. The stunning result is a testament to what can be achieved through a collaborative spirit from all those involved.”
As previously mentioned, Southwest’s brand refresh will also include new uniforms for over 53,000 team members across airports, inflight operations, ground operations, cargo, and technical operations teams. The carrier has established a Uniform Inspiration Team with 75 Southwest team members, and is working alongside Design Collective by Cintas and uniform brand consultant and fashion stylist, Bonnie Markel, to develop the new look.
Southwest Established a Uniform Inspiration Team of 75 Employees to Provide Valuable Input Into Their Uniform Program Refresh - Courtesy Southwest Airlines
Commenting on the new uniform collaboration, Design Collective by Cintas’ Creative Director, Caroline Bartek, said,
“This design project brings together unique points of view in a dynamic and engaging co-creation process.”
Design Collective by Cintas’ Apparel Designer, Abby Groshek, added,
“It’s a true collaboration between Southwest Airlines and the Uniform Inspiration Team, Design Collective, and Bonnie Markel. As the design process unfolds, Design Collective and Bonnie Markel are creating an apparel line that represents the Southwest Brand, with crucial input from the Uniform Inspiration Team Members who bring their everyday working knowledge and experience to ensure the apparel of the future fulfills all their functional and fashion needs.”
Southwest to Roll Out New Aircraft Interiors And Seats From 2025 - Courtesy Southwest Airlines - Courtesy Southwest Airlines
Founded in 1971, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has distinguished itself by offering exemplary customer service delivered by nearly 75,000 team members at 121 airports across 11 countries. The airline carried over 137 million guests during 2023. Southwest offers a robust point-to-point network with a strong presence across leisure and business markets. During peak travel seasons, the airline operates more than 4,000 daily departures to 120 destinations across the U.S. and 10 additional countries. Southwest also continues to develop tangible steps toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, including offering Customers the opportunity to help the airline offset carbon emissions.
Source: Southwest Airlines