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Hurricanes, Cyclones, and Willy-Willys

sheaser
Frequent Flyer B

This episode of Red Belly Radio is about hurricanes and some of the things that Southwest Airlines does to assist our Customers around inclement weather. I interview Rick Curtis who is our Chief Meteorologist about hurricanes and how they are named and what hurricanes are called around the world. In fact, Europeans and Americans are the only people who call these big storms Hurricanes. Did you know that a hurricane or a cyclone (as most of the world calls them) are sometimes called a willy-willy in Australia? They also call women “Shelia,” one’s wife “Cook,” and food “Tucker.” I should imagine referring to a married woman named Shelia who is a chef might get confusing. I digress.

Perhaps because I work for an airline or watch TV, but it seems like there have been so many hurricanes this year, not as many as the record setting 2005, but still a lot. Our Dispatch department uses up-to-date weather info to decide how to route aircraft, and in the event of big storms and hurricanes, when to evacuate airports. Fortunately, an airline’s most expensive asset is mobile and we can fly those assets inland to safety.

I also speak with Fred Taylor who is the Senior Manager Proactive Customer Service Communications. His group is in charge of communicating with Employees to keep Customers informed and sometimes directly with the flying public. They also help with accommodations if needed and other aspects to keep our beloved Customers "beloving" us.

The Red Belly Radio link can be found at the bottom right of the home page or from the drop-down menu, choose Media Center. Better yet, subscribe in iTunes and never worry about getting a new episode again!

Above photo: Southwest Airlines sophisticated weather computer on Rick's desk. Photo on right, my second weather system—the first being looking or actually going outside. 

2 Comments
ratchet
Explorer C
Hi Steve, Another great episode as usual, very informative and I loved the part where you asked Rick if the hurricane would "freak out" if it crossed the equator. That was funny. Also wanted to comment on some of your wording in the blog post that has been bothering me. You keep saying "Better yet, subscribe in iTunes and never worry about getting a new episode again" But wouldn't it be better to say "sign up and never worry about missing a new episode again" I don't know maybe I'm just crazy as english rules were never a favorite school subject of mine but this phrase just sounded weird to me. Thanks, Rachel
Anonymous1164
Explorer C
Hi, re willy-willys, Came across this site accidentally but I can clear up a common misconception that Europeans or Americans have about the above. A willy-willy in Australia is simply a dust devil, ie a small dusty whirlwind created in hot desert climates. Hurricanes are called cyclones in Australia and typhoons around Asia. Hope this helps, Regards