In March, Southwest Airlines flew 10.9 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in March 2016, an increase of 6.2 percent from the 10.2 billion RPMs flown in March 2015. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 6.1 percent to 12.9 billion in March 2016, compared with March 2015 ASMs of 12.1 billion. The March 2016 load factor was a record for the month of March at 84.6 percent, compared with 84.5 percent in March 2015. The airline continues to estimate its first quarter 2016 operating revenue per ASM (RASM) will be in line with first quarter 2015.
Separately, Southwest Airlines has stated that it expects to retire 118 737-300s and 11 737-500s by the end of 2018. Speaking at MRO Americas 2016, Kent Horton, director of aircraft engineering, said that the carrier plans to add 36 new 737-800s and 17 used 737-700s this year.