Airlines implement cockpit barriers directed by the Federal Aviation Administration on latest Boeing aircraft models

The skies are becoming safer with the introduction of secondary flight deck barriers, a security measure designed to prevent intrusions that has been in development since the devastating Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Justin Jones, Southwest's executive vice president for operations, announced that the airline felt they could get the new barrier in production as soon as the aircraft was ready. This forward-thinking approach has led Southwest Airlines to become the first major air carrier to immediately begin compliance with the new security measure.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has mandated that all new commercial airliners entering U.S. service should have secondary barriers under a regulation that took effect last week. The FAA's flight deck security standards, aimed at making cockpits resistant to forcible intrusion and preventing unauthorized entry into the cockpit, were adopted following the Sept. 11 hijackings.

The FAA's new rule requires aircraft manufacturers to install a second physical barrier on new planes used in commercial passenger service in the U.S., but doesn't require existing planes to be retrofitted. This means that the implementation of the secondary barriers is a gradual process, with manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus already delivering airplanes with the barriers in place.

Southwest Airlines recently unveiled a revamped seat design for its new aircraft, and the airline anticipates accepting the delivery of about 25 more Boeing airplanes with the barriers this year. The flight from Phoenix to Denver marked a milestone for the safety feature being deployed across new commercial airliners.

While Southwest Airlines is leading the way, other major air carriers have informed the FAA that they will take advantage of the extension and won't put the barriers into immediate use ahead of the deadline. The FAA has given airlines until July 2026 to begin putting the barriers in newly delivered planes.

The FAA's efforts to secure airliners preceded the new rule and have helped secure airliners currently in service. The information provided is powered by a data feed, and the stock ticker for Boeing (BA) and Southwest Airlines (LUV) will likely reflect the positive impact of these safety measures on their respective companies.

As of now, there are no search results available that mention which airlines have announced plans to install the new secondary barriers in their newly purchased aircraft following Southwest Airlines' first use of such a barrier on a Boeing 737 Max. However, it is expected that other airlines will follow suit, ensuring a safer flying experience for all passengers.