Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly
“We’ve been testing materials on a “Green Plane” since 2009, and those materials are now being incorporated into the interior. Each seat is nearly six pounds lighter, which adds up to a reduction of 635 pounds per aircraft and is expected to result in significant annual fuel cost savings. The new seats are made using E-Leather, which is an eco-friendly, lightweight, and scuff-resistant alternative to traditional leather. E-Leather is made from natural leather fiber that is upgraded using eco-conscious technology.
The new seat design also makes the bottom cushion lighter and more comfortable and provides better lumbar support. Additionally, we’re installing a fixed-wing headrest on each seat that will provide for a more relaxing experience. And we’re replacing the seatback pocket with a netted pocket that’s form-fitting to the seat, allowing for more knee room.
The carpet is made from completely recyclable, carbon-neutral material that will be laid in squares, rather than rolls, eliminating the need for total carpet replacement and reducing waste. Under the seat, we’re replacing our life vest pouches with lighter, more environmentally friendly canvas pouches. These interior elements will be installed on all new 737-800 aircraft delivered to Southwest beginning this year. We are currently in the process of retrofitting our entire existing fleet of 737-700 planes with the new interior, and we anticipate that the fleet-wide retrofit will be complete by the end of next year.”
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