Fancy -300s?

[Whataburger]

NEW YORK, Oct 22 (Reuters) - GE Aviation, a unit of General Electric Co (GE.N: Quote, Profile, Research), said on Monday it won a Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N: Quote, Profile, Research) contract to upgrade the flight management systems for 200 Boeing (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) 737 jets.
Terms were not disclosed.
The flight computer systems make jets more efficient by helping shorten flight paths and use less fuel for descents, GE Aviation said.
Deliveries will take place next year and in 2009. (Reporting by Nick Zieminski)

 

[Heavy Set]

NEW YORK, Oct 22 (Reuters) - GE Aviation, a unit of General Electric Co (GE.N: Quote, Profile, Research), said on Monday it won a Southwest Airlines Co (LUV.N: Quote, Profile, Research) contract to upgrade the flight management systems for 200 Boeing (BA.N: Quote, Profile, Research) 737 jets.
Terms were not disclosed.
The flight computer systems make jets more efficient by helping shorten flight paths and use less fuel for descents, GE Aviation said.
Deliveries will take place next year and in 2009. (Reporting by Nick Zieminski)

That is like putting an XM Radio system into an old dodge dart. You still have the old Dodge Dart, though.

 

[Hutchman]

That is like putting an XM Radio system into an old dodge dart. You still have the old Dodge Dart, though.

It is different. I don't think the PAX care if the gyros were being turned by mice. The Pax do care that they aren't listening to XM.............

 

[FatesPawn]

The flight computer systems make jets more efficient by helping shorten flight paths and use less fuel for descents, GE Aviation said.
Deliveries will take place next year and in 2009.

SWA found a system to shorten our flights even shorter than a great circle direct route. It's called Direct Deposit, or DirectD for short.

The DirectD systems will integrate with our onboard Wi-fi and provide Pay Pal integration for ATC controllers who offer us direct routings. The greater the shortcut (measured by the DirectD system) the greater the payout to the individual controller. DirectD will provide payouts on a first come first serve basis.

DirectD aids pilots in vertical planning by penalizing controllers for non-pilot discretion descents. Reroutes will also incur penalties 1.5x the direct route savings.

Other incentive items such as reassigning flights with a "lifeguard" call sign have yet to be negotiated.

That's what I heard at least.

 

[GuppyWN]

That is like putting an XM Radio system into an old dodge dart. You still have the old Dodge Dart, though.

Actually it will allow WN to be the main US airline in the design stages for RNP flying. We're going to design them like we fly, which means you guys at United will be freaking out trying to get down long after we're strolling down the terminal to Starbucks.

Gup

 

[Ex737Driver]

ATC: Hey SWA, you gonna be able to make the crossing restriction from there?

SWA: Yep. We're coming down like a Baron full of doctors..........

 

[GuppyWN]

Or what I say :

"we haven't left one up here yet!"

Gup

 

[thor2j]

Does this mean you guys are actually going to activate the auto throttles and use V-NAV???

Haven't figured out why SWA doesn't do this, it saves a lot of fuel.

 

[STL717]

Too bad Southwest dumbed down the -700!!!

 

[737ski]

Dumbed down?? How do you fly that float plane in your avatar?? It's called piloting skills, got some??

 

[thor2j]

No need to get defensive about "dumbing down" the 700's. It is simply a statement that is true. The autothrottles and VNAV are not on/used. I am sure that you will agree a computer can do a better job at efficiency then a person. Auto throttles save about 4% of fuel over not using them combined with VNAV. Computers are just more accurate.

It has nothing to do with your skills or anybody elses.

 

[737ski]

thor,
I've flown both: 737's w/VNAV, RNP, Internet, Autothrottles, Autoland, Dual AP, Aux fuel tanks, ETOPs + those w/o. SWA is a little behind the techno clock, however, to say they dumbed down the -700 is a foul ball. It does everything they want it to do for now to make $$. Tomorrow is another day...

 

[thor2j]

Once again, dumbing down was not directed at you or SWA, it is directed at the varient of 700 SWA orders. Dumbing down refers to any technology which is simplified, in this case the lack or certain electronic features. I think the term fits perfectly. It is a simpler version.

I would think you guys could make even more money if it was activated. It is kind of like the auto brakes, it does help.

 

[737ski]

Agreed, if I had my way, every airplane would be exactly the same in terms of configuration. But it's not, so I go with the flow...

I think it's called saving money for the company...

Just know, that very smart folks are making decisions beyond my pilot brain...

I fly the airplane as best I can with the tools provided.


ski out...

 

[murano]

SWA found a system to shorten our flights even shorter than a great circle direct route. It's called Direct Deposit, or DirectD for short.

The DirectD systems will integrate with our onboard Wi-fi and provide Pay Pal integration for ATC controllers who offer us direct routings. The greater the shortcut (measured by the DirectD system) the greater the payout to the individual controller. DirectD will provide payouts on a first come first serve basis.

DirectD aids pilots in vertical planning by penalizing controllers for non-pilot discretion descents. Reroutes will also incur penalties 1.5x the direct route savings.

Other incentive items such as reassigning flights with a "lifeguard" call sign have yet to be negotiated.

That's what I heard at least.

Now that's funny!