DALLAS — Southwest Airlines Co. CEO Gary Kelly said today that Southwest likely will buy new, larger planes from Boeing that would allow it to fly to Hawaii.

Southwest is considering adding the Boeing 737-800 aircraft to its fleet.

"It’s certainly more likely than not that we’re going to do it (add 737s)," said Kelly, speaking at the company’s annual media day in Dallas, according to Dow Jones newswire. "It brings us the opportunity to consider a destination like Hawaii."

The airline will need federal approval to fly the long over-water route to Hawaii with the Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Hawaii would provide a plum destination for regular Southwest customers redeeming their frequent-flier credits.