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Southwest Airlines Connects Milwaukee and Mexico's Riviera Maya

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Milwaukee's Largest Airline Launches Service to Cancún, Mexico!
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Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) launched international service for Milwaukee’s largest airline by inaugurating service to Cancun, Mexico from General Mitchell International Airport. Flight 1012 departed Milwaukee on time at 8:50 a.m. CDT and was expected to arrive ontime just after 12:30 p.m. CDT.

The airline celebrated its first international flight from Milwaukee with Customers, Employees, and Community Partners during a tropical-themed, gate-side celebration. The celebration also highlighted Milwaukee’s importance to Southwest. In nearly five years, the carrier has grown into Mitchell International’s largest carrier, carrying nearly half of all passengers at the airport.

“Today’s flight wouldn’t be possible without the roots laid down by AirTran Airways,” said Doug Rutledge, Southwest Airlines Milwaukee Station Leader. “We started service at General Mitchell International Airport only four and a half years ago, and it’s incredible to say we now offer nonstop international service from America’s Heartland.”

“We are fortunate to have strong partners like Southwest Airlines. This weekend, we’re kicking off flights to Cancun, and last week the airline announced new flights from Milwaukee to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic,” said Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. “This international growth, paired with facility improvements we are making at Mitchell Airport, helps us provide the best possible service and experience for passengers throughout Wisconsin and northern Illinois.”

Southwest Airlines previously announced plans to convert by the end of this year all international service offered by wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways, including additional flights to Mexico and the Dominican Republic*.
*subject to Government approvals

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 43rd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 45,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Based on the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Southwest is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The airline also operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world to serve 93 destinations in 40 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and five near-international countries. Some flights are operated by wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its triple bottom line approach that takes into account the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities it serves, and its commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at southwest.com/citizenship.

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 wherever the carrier serves. With Southwest Airlines, Bags Fly Free ® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are no change fees (fare difference may apply) when you need to change your flight. Southwest's fleet offers leather seating and the comfort of full-size cabins, a majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity over the United States, which enables live and video-on-demand TV currently FREE compliments of DISH, and a new, sustainable cabin interior. Southwest acquired AirTran Airways in May 2011 and by the end of 2014 intends to complete the full integration of the AirTran network into Southwest. With 41 consecutive years of profitability, the People of Southwest and AirTran operate more than 3,600 flights a day. Southwest Airlines' frequent flights and low fares are available online at southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

Media Contacts:

Southwest Airlines
Dan Landson
214.792.4565
Dan.landson@wnco.com

Multi-Media Assets and other Company news at swamedia.com
Media Relations Team: 214-792-4847

General Mitchell International Airport
Harold Mester
Public Information Manager
hmester@mitchellairport.com
414.747.3728
Media Hotline 414.519.8482