DALLAS — Southwest Airlines on Tuesday unveiled its first aircraft equipped with a redesigned cabin and new Recaro seats, marking another major step in what the Dallas-based carrier calls an “elevated onboard experience” amid sweeping changes to its business model.
The new cabin is rolling out on a Boeing 737 MAX 8, tail number N8972S, which is scheduled to enter service Oct. 16, and they invited WFAA along for an exclusive first look at the new aircraft. The plane features Recaro R2 seats, in-seat power at every seat, larger overhead bins, redesigned tray tables, and refreshed lighting and carpet. Southwest said the new design reflects customer research and testing intended to create a more modern, comfortable and brand-focused onboard environment.
The aircraft also debuts a new “Extra