Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
6h ago

Southwest Starts Flying 737 Max 8s With FAA‑Mandated Secondary Cockpit Barriers

Most rivals plan to wait under an FAA extension to July 2026.

Southwest Airlines’ newest jets are now flying with a barrier that can protect the cockpit when pilots need to open the door during flight.
Image
Southwest Airlines’ newest jets are now flying with a barrier that can protect the cockpit when pilots need to open the door during flight.
Image

Overview

  • Southwest operated its first revenue flight with the fold‑away gate on Aug. 29 after taking delivery of a Boeing 737 Max 8 equipped with the device.
  • Boeing and Airbus have begun delivering new jets with secondary barriers under a 2023 FAA rule that requires the protection on newly built passenger aircraft.
  • Southwest says every new aircraft it receives will include the barrier and expects about 25–26 equipped planes in service by year‑end.
  • The barrier is deployed by flight attendants whenever the cockpit door is opened in flight, replacing ad‑hoc measures like blocking the aisle with a beverage cart.
  • The rule does not require retrofits and no certified retrofit method exists yet, a delay criticized by pilot union ALPA as other carriers opt to use the FAA’s grace period.