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Southwest Airlines Unveils "Green Plane"

minnis
Adventurer B

At Southwest, we are all about innovation and have been since our inception.  Innovation isn’t necessarily something you can teach—it really is an attitude, a spirit, a little something extra.  I think we might even hire for it, but here at Southwest, we call it a “Warrior Spirit.” 

No, the paint isn’t green, (though there is a decal) and you probably can’t tell much difference on the interior, but our Green Plane is a “test lab” of eco-friendly products that we are evaluating.  What makes this so innovative is that we hope to be able to reduce the weight of the aircraft by up to five pounds per seat, saving fuel and reducing emissions while being good environmental stewards.  Yes, environmental decisions can also make good business sense!  And, we are the first airline to do something like this. 

Southwest has designated one aircraft, WN222, to serve as a test for these eco-friendly products and other future initiatives.  You can read all about the products we are testing in our press release.  We will have all sorts of information onboard about our environmental commitment and fun facts about Southwest.  The Green Plane will be in regular revenue service so we can evaluate normal wear and durability.  If you’re lucky enough to be on the Green Plane, expect a post-flight survey where we ask what you think and how we are doing.

The Green Plane (and having a future “test lab”) is a dream come true for the Southwest Green Team, and I am so in awe of our Maintenance and Engineering Team for being visionaries.  A huge shout out to our Marketing Team, who is trying to create a more comfortable ride for our Customers and helping us use eco-friendly products to do it.  Be on the lookout for the Green Plane coming to a city near you…

6 Comments
Chris_Casson
Explorer C
You have to love a company that operates on the reverse pyramid concept. The upper level management actually supports what the people in the trenches are doing. I have a question concerning air circulation and filters used to purify the air. Has Southwest looked into carbonized plant material that can be applied to any filter and is supposed to be 36 times more efficient in particle and odor absorption than standard charcoal filters. This could increase their life cycle and reduce not only material costs but may also reduce down sick time of employees and passengers. Just a thought, love your company.
Anonymous320
Explorer C
I was just wondering if the company knows will it cost more to fly on this plane? Also do they have any idea when the plane will be ready for take off? I think it's an awesome idea to do this plane and it could only boost their sales at the airport.
lreynolds
Frequent Flyer A
Molly-- The Green Plane had its first flight to Seattle last Wednesday. It's our "test lab" for the eco-friendly products onboard, and it doesn't cost anymore than a regular flight on Southwest...so be on the lookout for tail number WN222 coming to a city near you!
Jeff_Pelch
Explorer C
Awesome initiative! Great job! Just add some LGA - STL directs and I'll be happy!
Me_Thomson
Explorer C
Wow! That is sooooooo awesome! I hope I get to fly on the green plane someday! Whoooo Hoooo!
John_Anzevino
Explorer C
Looking for recycling news based on the headlines on the main site and cannot track down these claims. This article is off-base. After flying on four planes this week and drinking flat coke and ginger ale sodas, I guess their savings are by using 2 liter sodas instead of cans. True?