Southwest Airlines' Gary Kelly Addresses the Wings Club in New York City

[weichinger]

Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President & Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly shares his thoughts on Leadership, Growth, and the Future of the Southwest Brand.

Gary Kelly addressed today a room full of aviation executives at the Wings Club in New York City and shared what the future looks holds for Southwest, as it enters its 40th year.  Among many topics, Gary announced ten more flights from the Newark Liberty International (EWR) to destinations like Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) with three daily nonstop flights, Houston Hobby (HOU) with two daily nonstop flights, Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport (PHX) with two daily nonstop flights, and Denver International (DEN) with three daily nonstop flights. These cities join the previously announced nonstops to Chicago Midway (MDW) and St. Louis (STL), giving Newark a total of 18 new daily nonstops and will connect Newark Liberty to our vast network.

To celebrate this new service, Southwest is offering for a limited time fares as low as $49 one way between BWI and EWR to travel during the Summer of 2011.  To see a complete list of special fares and fare rules, visit southwest.com.

Gary also announced that our fleet will be enhanced with the addition of the Boeing 737-800. Gary shared today we will substitute 20 of our future 737-700 orders for -800s, with the first delivery scheduled for March 2012. With both the Pilots’ and Flight Attendants’ Unions ratifying their contracts to add the -800 to their current collective bargaining agreements, Southwest is continuing to finalize discussions with the Boeing Company regarding substitutions of the -800s for the -700 positions and configuration and equipage options.

Gary told the Wings Club audience, “We are looking to the future and the -800 sets the stage to bring more destinations into the realm of possibilities for Southwest, to operate a more economical aircraft, and to offer better scheduling flexibility in high-demand, slot-controlled, or gate-restricted markets.”  The current plan is to deliver these 20, 737-800 aircraft in full Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) configuration. The current configuration also includes the Boeing Company’s Sky Interior that offers a quieter cabin, improved operational security features, and LED reading and ceiling lighting.

[Anonymous3797]

Should have just purchased ATA in the beginning. SWA is looking just like them, same destinations and the same planes. Would have been able to do Hawaii, Carribean and Canada years ago!!! Would have also picked up 757s in the deal which meant Europe would be even in the realm.

[Satisfied]

Love SW. Love your prices! Wish you had a non-stop Ontario, CA to Kansas City, MO!

[Gail4]

Absolutely the best airline, but living in Dallas makes it hard to fly anywhere without stopping. My family in St. Louis flies directly to Ft. Myers, Florida, my other family in Indianapolis flies directly to Ft. Myers, and we have to make at least one stop. Hopefully this pub is in the future for Love field. Many of our friends have family in Charlotte, (including me) and there is hardly anything going there. We are looking forward to new routes from the Dallas area--SOON, we hope. Love your no fees and easy to change reservation--all positive ideas. When you finally take over Airtran, will they also have no baggage fees and run the same as Southwest? Thanks, Gail

[incog_nito]

I have been a flyer, of SWA since they started flying on the east, between Tampa Bay FL and Providence RI At that time you had a great flight between these two points, left Prov at about 10:30 AM to Tampa, and then turned around and flew to Prov. Both ways were non-stop. However, now that is changed, no longer non-stop flight between TPA and PVO, everything goes though PHI or CINN. Same with TPAod MCO to either NH or BOS, Sorry SWA, but it looks like you do not want the central Florida to Bos area business. I am switchin my preferes Air Flight to Delta, the apparently want this route. Thanks for your attention.

[Anonymous3735]

I fly to Tampa Fla. several times a year. I live in Akron Ohio but I drive to Columbus to fly SWA. But now SWA bought Airtran which flys out of Canton-Akron (CAK). I hope SWA has plans to fly out of CAK to Tampa. This would be great because it takes me longer to travel to Columbus by car then the actual flight.

[Anonymous2746]

Would love to see flights to Savannah/Hilton Head.

[Susan_Souza]

We live half the year in MA and the other half in FL....we would absolutely love to see SW flying DIRECT between Ft. Myers and Providence ASAP. One of our daughters, as well as our granddaughter have ear issues and cannot endure 2 take offs and 2 landings in the same day, therefore, we have to book them on Jet Blue out of Boston which is a total inconvenience to everyone involved, causing them to visit less often. Come on SW, fly direct between Ft. Myers and Providence and make this family, and many others, very happy!

[Andre_Libert]

I would hope that the comment by Anonymous about Southwests "Route Planning being truly AWFUL" is tongue-in-cheek. They have virtually shamed most of the other domestic airlines in the selection of service to new cities--one which has very stringent requirements. I suspect the comment comes from someone living in one of the very few states Southwest does not serve. All I can say about Southwest is "well done" since you originally began service between 3 cities in Texas circa 1969, and all the best in the future. Happy New Year to each and every Southwest employee who has made it such a great airline, and tirelessly work within their communities for charitable causes. You are the best!

[Anonymous3963]

Carolyn, I have been flying Southwest for at least 10 years or more, they are very reliable, however greedy. I had a similar issue with WN a couple sumers ago. I had booked a flight to FL from PVD using a 10.50 credit that was about to expire. My dad passes away and I had to cancel the flight. I was told the whole ticket would expire on the date that the 10.50 was to expire. In my opinion they stole $200 from me - I'll never forget that. I hope they made the right move with you and your ticket.

[WD]

After reading the book,"Do The Right Thing" by James F Parker former CEO of SW, one can see success by the way they treat their employees & work as a team. Leadership and making the right decisions is a must for all organizations.

[Anonymous1180]

will southwest be flying to and from Charlotte,NC and Providence RI? in the future?

[Anonymous2623]

Love Southwest, when are you going to give Delta some competition in Atlanta, GA. There s no flights into ATL airport at all. Come southwest you can do it! I prefer the non stop way of flying for 4 to 5 hours. Sure would be nice.

[sarah_BUSK]

With the AIRTRAN merger, will Southwest be operating in Sarasota, Florida? Sarasota Fl. to New York? Sarasota to Newark? I hope so! Please respond. Sarah

[Steven_Hamilton]

The Boeing 737-800 has 3 seat configurations each containing 1st class seating. How will SW implement their open boarding policy when two VERY different seating accomodations exist on these flights? For example here is one configuration: (16/144 configuration) 16 First Class and 144 economy. First class is four accross and economy is 6 across. Will their be an upward ajustment for the business select fare, since business select boards first and most likely take the first 16 first class seats. Or does Southwest plan to change the configuration so that no first class seats exist? I would easliy pay the $420 business select for an opportunity to seat in a first class (4 across seat) section. But I see the following end result: "the willingness of 166 passengers wanting 16 of the best seats will result in a dramatice increase for whatever fare allows one to board the plane first."

[Anonymous2428]

I am lobbying for Southwest flights from BWI or Philly to Moline, IL. There is a whole chunk of the country not being serviced by Southwest. Is this a possibility in the future?

[Jody]

How come Southwest hasnt joined the ranks of all major airlines on Thanks Again? If they did, I would fly them more often. All the other majors offer miles for going to the spa, dry cleaning, playing golf on www.ThanksAgain.com Pretty cool! I am a miles hog and love earning them!

[Dave11]

20 minute turnaround!!! You got to be high on drugs. I have never seen this. Go to Vegas and look at their board and you will see few IF ANY on-time flights!

[Anonymous3407]

We CAN"T WAIT to get you here in ATL!!! HURRY - We NEED YOU!!

[Drue]

Hawaii would be nice...

[MNarian_Gazeley]

Southwest is our favorite airline but Fargo is our destination often to see a son. When will you have a flight going in to Hector Field? Soon we hope.

[Anonymous4320]

So disappointed in SWA. I have ALWAYS flown SW and thought others were nuts for not doing the same. I was like free advertisement. Not anymore. I fly back east at least 5 times a tear i did not mind that I had a layover as pricing, the fact that anyone could use my credits and RR points all helped that I had to have a layover. Not anymore, now I too will search out other airlines. THANK YOU SWA FOR THE PUSH TO A NEW FLYING ADVENTURE. At least now I will be able to stretch my legs and enjoy more time at my destination.

[CVG_Hopeful]

I am a frequent and loyal SW flyer who has been waiting patiently for news of possible CVG (Cincinnati) SW city. Having to opt for Columbus, Louisville, or Indianapolis is the current route. With Delta's cut backs and seemingly available gates, having SW enter the Cincinnati market would be a dream come true.

[Morris_Boothroy]

Is Southwest considering opening routes to Hawaii? My family would like a new alternative and less expensive flight to the Islands.

[Fl_flyer]

If SWA had a TV at every seat like Jetblue it would be perfect.

[Anonymous831]

we have been waiting to hear if there will EVER be a straight flight from MacArthur (Islip) to Jacksonville, FL. Years ago there were flights with no stop overs. Going to BWI or Nashville for a couple of hours is crazy. It takes almost 6 hours to get to Jacksonville with a stop over, when it takes only 2 1/2 hrs. to go straight through to Ft. Lauderdale. Something should really be done about that.

[Anonymous1220]

Fly SWA numerous times during the year. Was told by a SW stewardess with your acquisition of AirTran you would start flying to Atlanta, GA in March. Is this still on? I have relatives in Atlanta and currently have to fly AA to see them. I don't like AA even if their fares to Atlanta are very reasonable.

[Anonymous1488]

I know that COS would welcome LUV with open arms and plenty of travelers if they would just have routes from DIA to COS - We travel LUV a lot, but driving time and parking fees and bad weather are a factor in deciding whether to use LUV or Frontier, who has a COS to DIA route. I hope that COS is a thought in future planning of LUV.

[Anonymous1806]

I fly about 3/4 times in a year from Buffalo to Lovefiled - living in Canada it is hard for me to travel to Buffalo - why not introduce some flights from Pearson Airport. A good number of people from Toronto take flights from Buffalo as flying by other airlines is too expensive. Hope you will do something about it. And how about giving some concession to senirs? I enjoy flying with SWA. They are the best by any yardstick. Please keep it up. I do not know how to get points or credits - never got any so far. All the best for the New Year.

[Anonymous3159]

Will Southwest ever fly from Manchester, NH to Dulles in D.C.? I have family in the D.C. area and would take that flight several times yearly if it were available.

[Anonymous885]

When is Southwest Airlines coming to Syracuse, New York??? There is a high demand for SWA to compete with the other airlines. Tired of driving 2.5 hours to Buffalo. NP

[JR]

Love flying out of Long Island Islip Airport. How about to Atlanta? You would get me for one to two more flights per year.

[Anonymous4053]

I'd love SW to fly to Kona, Hawaii. I heard there was talk of that at the annual meeting. Is that still a possibility? I would love to fly SW from here to the Mainland as would all the people I spoke with.

[noahsgrandma]

Just take out one or two seats per plane. Could not cost that much and the comfort would be so appreciated. Love SW. Been flying almost 20 years and only met 2 flight attendants that really did not want to be there. Most attendants are wonderful, funny, helpful, nice, and just make the flying easier. And thank you SW pilots for not drinking and flying. Your regular patrons appreciate more than you will ever know. Now, about routes - how about a non stop to LV or Burbank? There used to be flights like this but few and far between now. And you know you fly to Vegas everyday!! Thanks for your consideration in this matter. SW. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Just Me

[r_keo]

Since Spouithwest bought Air Tran when will southwest start flying to Cancun?

[r_keo]

Thanks to the ticketing agent in Orando that hustled us to the gate because we were late.My son and I would have never made it without you.Dont know the gals name,but she saved the day for us.Thanks R.KEO

[Tom121]

FLY AMERICAN PLANES, FLY SOUTHWEST.GOOD NEWS.

[Larryd]

Would love to see a non-stop from either San Francisco or Oakland to St Louis. If there were such a non-stop, it would be one of the only ones available from the Bay Area to STL.

[john_lyons]

Still waiting for some non-stops to the West Coast from Philly. Incredibly hard to travel and change planes with 2 small children, or does no one at SWA have small children? Profit, profit, profit? If that is the motive, where is the stock growth??

[Anonymous2707]

No matter how you spin it, the new Rapid Rewards Program is not as good as the old one. I feel a big part of the reason SW has done so well recently, is that non business people who do not fly often, could also finally be included in the perks of flying and affording vacations.. Corporate Americans get their fares paid for, earn points and can vacation with them at hotels and airfare. Is it fair that one can not afford to pay your highest fare and get more points when it is being picked up by big business?? THose fares are very seldom being paid for by the consumer, they are paid for by their company. I commended SW and the discount idea so middle class Americans could fly more frequently and also earn realistic perks. But with this system of points rather then just a plain credit, it will again penalize us, the self employed or lower income. You have joined the other airlines benefiting corporate America. How about helping out the self employed again, who also like to travel. We pay full tilt for air travel, hotels, and yes the IRA tax man ( did you know we pay both employer and emplyee SS, double what you pay in each paycheck?) I am really disappointed that you, MY discount airline, is resorting to this as well. :( I love Southwest and am extremely disappointed.

[Anonymous3881]

Any plans to fly to Cincinnati in the future?

[Anonymous3736]

Each time I fly Southwest between PA and Texas, I have had a good experience! I like that there are no change fees and that you can use your unused ticket for up to a year. Keep it up, Southwest!

[BB2]

When will you being service to/from PWM (Portland, Maine)?

[Anonymous1026]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, for coming to MSP. Any plans to add more nonstop destinations?

[Anonymous91]

I am looking forward to some competition with American from Dallas to San Juan, Puerto Rico. I know the Wright Amendment makes it a problem for Non-Stop flights, but in the meantime, how about non-stops from Houston and direct flights from Dallas to San Juan via Houston.

[MB1]

Having worked for this airline for only the briefest period, I can tell you that SWA is an awesome company. I believe the main reason is that the company is the PEOPLE, not the machines they fly. One would be hard pressed to find a more wonderful group of people than those who make up Southwest Airlines. Whether in the air or on the ground, they are genuine...no put on here. I consider it an honor to have been identified as an employee of Southwest, and when I fly I try to fly Southwest every time. Happy to see the growth and success of such a great company!

[Paul_B]

I love to fly SW. Their planes are clean, employees are nice, and they fly planes built in the USA but when another airline is $50 cheaper in todays market I have to take it . Yes they do fly out about the same time and boy it would nice if SW took at least one ride to SRQ from PHL on a daily basis.

[Anonymous372]

Southwest is my fav airline. Any chance going in to Savannah???? Air Tran or Southwest??? Need you there!

[mcclennon]

i fly swa as offten as can, the other airlines are just in the business to make u miserable i am a handicaped flyer and swa always push the wheel chairs to the aircraft the others your lucky to get on at all and the bag fees just cut so deep in to a vacation for a family swa continue to grow. and i will fly with you, looking foward to you adding atl to the citiers you serve

[JL1]

Any thought or plans to add Hawaii?????? I sure hope so!

[Anonymous3704]

WOW!!!!! I ACTUALLY TALKED TO A REAL PERSON AT YOUR 1-800 NUMBER. THEY WERE VERY FIENDLY, INFORMATIVE, AND PATIENT. NOW ARE HUMANS REPLACING COMPUTERS.!! ANYWAY I DON'T LIKE TO FLY, BUT EVERYONE AT THE AIRPORT COUNTER, FLIGHT ATTENDANTS, ETC WERE VERY PROFESSIONAL AND MADE ME FEEL SO CONFIDENT THAT I KNEW I WAS IN GOOD HANDS. LOOKING FORWARD TO GIVE IT ANOTHER TRY---- AND FLY AGAIN, ONLY WITH YOU. THANKS ALL YOU GUYS AND GALS