Southwest Airlines first new aircraft with a secondary cockpit barrier has entered service

Here’s some background:

Secondary Barriers

Since Sept. 11, 2001, the FAA has continued to strengthen flight deck security, including a new requirement for an installed physical secondary barrier (IPSB) on newly manufactured passenger aircraft in the U.S.
Even though an FAA exemption allows additional time before these barriers must be operational, we’re moving ahead now. Our first aircraft equipped with the lightweight, retractable barrier will entered service on Aug. 29 — a milestone that makes us one of the first U.S. carriers with this barrier operating onboard.
On equipped aircraft, Crews will deploy the barrier any time a Pilot needs to exit or enter the flight deck, creating an additional secure area while the door is open during flight.

Every new aircraft we take delivery of will come off the line with this feature installed, adding another layer of protection to our already robust procedures.
Retrofitting existing aircraft isn’t required—and retrofit options aren’t certified—our current flight deck security procedures remain effective across the fleet and in full compliance with FAA rules.

Q: Why did SWA decide to start using these barriers when some other airlines have indicated they will wait?
A: For Southwest, this was the right decision. We have a robust Safety Management System that takes a proactive approach when it comes to enhancing Safety wherever possible. We recently were the first airline to begin requiring Customers to keep lithium battery chargers in sight while they are in use. We also took the proactive step of buttoning up our cabin service at 18,000 feet to help prevent turbulence injuries. This is what proactive Safety looks like.

Q: Do you plan to retrofit your existing fleet?
A: Right now, there isn’t anything certified. We are engaged with Boeing and FAA and will evaluate this at the appropriate time.

Q: Are you training your crews?
A: Yes, we have made sure our Flight Attendants and Pilots are aware that these barriers will be on all our new airplanes and have provided instructions on how to operate them safely.

Source Southwest Airlines

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