DALLAS –May 15, 2009 – Southwest Airlines and its Oakland Employees today are celebrating the airline’s 20th year of service at Oakland International Airport (OAK).
“The Southwest Airlines Employees at Oakland International Airport are thrilled to be celebrating 20 years of service here,” said Steve Bernhardt, Southwest Airlines' Oakland Station Leader. "We are committed to serving the Bay Area community and are proud to be the largest carrier at Oakland International Airport.”
Oakland (OAK) statistics: - Southwest began service in OAK on May 15, 1989, with 14 daily nonstop departures to three cities: Ontario, Phoenix, and San Diego.
- Oakland was the 28th station to open its doors in the Southwest Airlines system.
- Southwest currently offers 119 daily nonstop departures to 20 cities with connecting service to 39 cities.
- Oakland is Southwest’s eighth-largest operation in terms of daily departures.
- OAK-based Employees: 2,153
- In 2008, Southwest Airlines served nearly eight million passengers at OAK.
- Southwest is the preferred airline for Oakland Customers, with a greater market share (68 percent) than any other carrier as of the fourth quarter of 2008.
Additionally, Southwest Airlines will be celebrating with its Employees and Customers today with a 1989 themed party. The carrier is totally “stOAKed” to be hosting the celebration at its gates in OAK, complete with decorations and costumes from the 1980s. Southwest Airlines will have an ‘80s karaoke contest for Customers and Employees. The carrier will also facilitate “gate games” where Employees will ask ‘80s trivia questions and Customers will have the chance to win some “totally awesome” ‘80s prizes! Follow @SouthwestAir on Twitter to find out about the exciting events going on throughout the day.
