Southwest Airlines Pilot's Union Ratifies Boeing 737-800 tentative agreement

[News_Editor]

Southwest Airlines Pilot's Union Ratifies Boeing 737-800 tentative agreement

2010-12-02 03:32:44 GMT+7 (ICT)

DALLAS, TEXAS (BNO NEWS) -- Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) on Wednesday ratified a tentative agreement to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective bargaining agreement after a positive vote.

As result, Southwest pilots' contract will be extended for one year, until August 2012, and will include the potential for wage rate increases based on the company’s financial performance. In addition, Southwest is set to move forward with adding Boeing 737-800 to its fleet.

"We've said all along that we wouldn't introduce a new aircraft type into the fleet without involving our Flight Crews as part of our deliberations," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "All Southwest Employees and Customers should be excited at the opportunities adding the 737-800 to our fleet will bring."

After reaching the agreement with SWAPA, Southwest will focus on finalizing discussions with Boeing in regards to substituting is current Boeing aircraft for 737-800s, as well as configuration and equipage options.

Southwest Airlines expects that its first Boeing 737-800 will be delivered in the first quarter of 2012. Two weeks ago, Southwest Flight Attendants, represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, ratified its tentative agreement reached to add Boeing 737-800 to its current collective bargaining agreement.

"Since we began evaluating the opportunity to introduce the Boeing 737-800 into our fleet, both our Pilots and Flight Attendants quickly grasped the potential benefits along with the added operational complexities associated with this decision," Van de Ven added.

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