12-27-2018, 08:08 AM
UPDATE: Dec 27
Southwest flights could begin soon. They've already made a 4 hour test flight loop over the Pacific Ocean out of Oakland.
While there's still nothing official, there have been new developments that point to an early-2019 launch of much anticipated Southwest flights to the Aloha State.
> It's all about ETOPS: Everything boils down to Southwest getting its fleet of overwater Boeing 737s certified for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards). Since Hawaii is 2,500 miles from the U.S. mainland, a special type of aircraft and certifications are required. To get this certification, Southwest needs to demonstrate that in the event of an engine failure over an ocean, its 737s can safely fly on just one-engine for an extended amount of time to the nearest suitable airport.
> CEO: Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly told Bloomberg earlier this month he expects flights to begin during the "peak winter season" which leads us to believe that an announcement about the flights is imminent-- meaning a timeline of January or February at the latest.
The airline has said there will be an unusually short time between when flights go on sale, and when flights will begin — it could be a matter of weeks.
https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/So...493260.php
“Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” - Mark Twain
Southwest flights could begin soon. They've already made a 4 hour test flight loop over the Pacific Ocean out of Oakland.
While there's still nothing official, there have been new developments that point to an early-2019 launch of much anticipated Southwest flights to the Aloha State.
> It's all about ETOPS: Everything boils down to Southwest getting its fleet of overwater Boeing 737s certified for ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards). Since Hawaii is 2,500 miles from the U.S. mainland, a special type of aircraft and certifications are required. To get this certification, Southwest needs to demonstrate that in the event of an engine failure over an ocean, its 737s can safely fly on just one-engine for an extended amount of time to the nearest suitable airport.
> CEO: Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly told Bloomberg earlier this month he expects flights to begin during the "peak winter season" which leads us to believe that an announcement about the flights is imminent-- meaning a timeline of January or February at the latest.
The airline has said there will be an unusually short time between when flights go on sale, and when flights will begin — it could be a matter of weeks.
https://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/So...493260.php
“Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.” - Mark Twain
"I'm at that stage in life where I stay out of discussions. Even if you say 1+1=5, you're right - have fun." - Keanu Reeves