Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced a new tentative agreement with the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), the Union that represents the Company's Pilots. SWAPA's Board of Directors reviewed an Agreement in Principle that negotiators reached earlier this month and decided to conduct a ratification vote that could end more than three years of negotiations.
The Company said the agreement offers wage increases and work-rule changes that will benefit the pilot group and position Southwest to continue its expansion both domestically and internationally.
"I am encouraged that the Union's Board of Directors has chosen to put this agreement in front of our Pilots," said Vice President Flight Operations Craig Drew. "Everyone on both sides of the table worked hard to fashion a contract that recognizes and rewards the steadfast professionalism of our Pilots."
Union Leaders will communicate with Pilots over the next few weeks to share the details and terms of the agreement. The ratification vote will close November 4. If Pilots approve the deal, the contract will become amendable April 1, 2019.
Southwest employs more than 8,000 Pilots. They operate a growing fleet of 737s and fly roughly 3,600 flights a day to 95 destinations across the United States and six international destinations.
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In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 47,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest operates more than 3,600 flights a day, serving 95 destinations across the United States and six additional countries. Southwest service to Belize City, Belize, begins Oct. 15, 2015. Subject to foreign government approval, service to Liberia, Costa Rica, begins Nov. 1, 2015.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity while over the United States. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Apple Music or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. *Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.
From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 42 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines
