Explainer · airlinesSouthwest Has Assigned Seats Now. Here’s What Changed
The airline ended open seating in January. Today’s search surge is about how seat selection, boarding order and fare choices now fit together.
OPEN →Aircraft & Manufacturers
Programs, fleets, certification and production.
THE BIG PICTUREEXPLAINED VISUALLY
How an aircraft becomes a fleet.
An order is the beginning of the story. Follow the milestones that turn a fleet plan into passenger capacity.
THE COMMITMENT
Order
An airline agrees to acquire aircraft, often years before delivery. Options and purchase rights are different from firm orders. Look for the number of firm aircraft, the model and the planned delivery window.
Fleet Update · aircraft
Wide-Body vs Narrow-Body Aircraft
Fuselage width changes capacity, range, cargo volume, airport handling and the economics of every flight.
READ THE BRIEFING →Latest
Featured analysis & explainers
Explainer · airlines
Explainer · routesHow Airlines Decide Where to Launch New Routes
Demand is only the opening question. Aircraft, slots, crews, competition and connection banks determine whether a route can work.
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Explainer · routesWhat Fifth-Freedom Flights Mean for Travelers
A foreign airline can carry passengers between two countries beyond its home market—but only when governments permit it.
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