Boeing to Lead Southwest Airlines 737 Flight Deck Modernizat

December 22, 11:04 am ET


SEATTLE, Dec. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA - News) has been selected by Southwest Airlines as the lead integrator for the airline's 737-300/-700 flight deck upgrade to incorporate advanced performance-based navigation capabilities. Boeing's role will include design, installation and integration of new hardware and software from multiple suppliers, as well as flight testing and certification.

Under this large-scale integration program, the 737-300 airplanes will be modified with new and enhanced avionics supplied by GE Aviation, Honeywell and Rockwell Collins. The Classic 737s will be equipped with GE's large area displays which use the latest in LCD technology and more closely align the 737-300 and 737-700 flight decks, creating commonality, and allowing the 737-300 to operate in the same preferred airspace as the newer 737-700s.

The 737-300 enhancements will also position Southwest for additional features -- currently under development -- that will support future airspace requirements.

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/081222/aqm510.html?.v=27

interesting that SWA is investing in upgrading the -300 avionics instead of just investing in replacing the airplanes with newer -700s. i'm guessing this will cost less overall than purchasing new -700s.