Southwest Airlines Community

Anyone who has studied the history of Southwest knows the many legal obstacles we had to overcome just to start service.  But there were other hurdles to overcome before Southwest could fly, and many of those “loose ends” were being tied up 40 years ago in the days before June 18, 1971.  Last week’s Flashback Fridays looked at how to publicize a brand new airline, which was a very rare opportunity to have in 1971.  And this week, we look at one of the operational challenges the new airline had to face before it could fly a single Customer.  A couple of this week’s photos may be among the least seen visuals about Southwest’s early days, and they concern what we had to accomplish to achieve our Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Operating Certificate.  While it’s true we weren’t subject to the federal Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) for routes, pricing, or other service rules, we always have been under federal safety regulations through the FAA.  One of those regulations is an airline’s ability to rapidly evacuate a cabin in the case of an emergency.  The airplane below is about to undergo that test. Let’s stop and look at this photo for awhile.  The tests took place during the week beginning June 13, 1971.  In fact, on June 18, the day we began service, the only newspaper mention I could find of Southwest that day wasn’t about our first flights, it was about this test.  The location is the American Airlines hangar at Greater Southwest International Airport, the old Fort Worth airport immediately adjacent to the southern edge of what is now Dallas/Fort Worth International.  The airplane carries our original livery with the “AIRLINES” titling on the tail.  All of the windows have been covered over with paper and tape.  Look how shiny the brand new paint is.  Also, the onlookers are being kept away from the airplane to avoid injury when the slides inflate.  The hangar is of note because it is very similar to the former American and TWA hangars we are using at Chicago Midway. In the photo below, we see some of the participants in the drill after the slides were deployed.  Each person has a number, and this helps ensure that all the occupants of the cabin have deplaned.  I’m not the best judge of female ages, but some of these girls would appear to be teen-aged daughters of some of our Employees. For the drill, the FAA required a mix of passenger types and ages, and these boys appear to be somewhere between age eight and 12.  They also are probably the children of Employees.  (Or it could have been a casting call for Lost in Space.) This photo was in the folder with the other pictures.  I’ve learned to be careful about some of these early photos when it comes to guessing their meaning.  However, if the photo is part of the evacuation drills, it may have been taken before the aircraft left Love Field for Greater Southwest, or it might have been taken upon arrival at Fort Worth before the windows were taped over.  No matter; I include it here because it is a great informal shot from our earliest days. Oh, about the test?  We obviously passed.  As proof, here’s a photo of FAA Inspector William Moore handing Rollin King and Lamar Muse our FAA Operating Certificate.  If only the legal battles had been this calm. ... View more

Carrier to return and sponsor "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" to honor 40 Years of Southwest Airlines history   [12-May-2011]     DALLAS, May 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Turning 40 has never been this much fun! Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) takes its Anniversary party to the world's largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, this July.  More than a half-million people are expected at this year's weeklong celebration of all-things aviation in Central Wisconsin, and Southwest's special participation will include a recognition and honor of military veterans, educational opportunities for young aviators, a chance to view a Southwest aircraft as few have seen one, and will build to a "Super Saturday" presented by Southwest Airlines, featuring a nighttime airshow, fireworks, and concert. From sunrise to well past sunset, "Super Saturday," presented by Southwest Airlines will be filled with must-see features, attractions, and activities, including country star Aaron Tippin in concert, a Night Air Show, and Daher-Socata Fireworks. The celebration will wrap up with a post-event party on ConocoPhillips Plaza, which will feature food, beverages, and a meet-and-greet with Night Air Show performers. "We're coming back to Oshkosh this year to share in the celebration of a milestone in Southwest history with our Employees and our Customers," said Chuck Magill, Southwest's Vice President of Flight Operations.  "To have this opportunity to honor and proudly showcase our Veterans as we commemorate 100 years of naval aviation is especially rewarding and exciting." As the official airline of the Honor Flight Network, Southwest Airlines supports flights all across the country during the year, which allows Veterans to visit the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.  One of those trips this year will transport Wisconsin veterans from Wittman Regional Airport on the Centennial of Naval Aviation.  The Veterans will return to a heroes' welcome at Oshkosh during a special airshow. "Warmth, friendliness, and individual pride are not only synonymous with the People of Southwest Airlines, they also can be used to describe the spirit that exists all throughout AirVenture and the EAA community," said Tom Poberezny, EAA and AirVenture chairman. "We are thrilled to have the support of Southwest as presenting sponsor of 'Super Saturday,' adding another exciting element to one of the many 'must-see days' at AirVenture." The 59th annual edition of "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" will be held July 25-31 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh. Additionally, Southwest is sponsoring a sweepstakes to provide one winner with roundtrip air travel to Milwaukee for two, one-day's admission to AirVenture for two, and a two-night hotel stay.  Rules and an online entry form are available at southwest.com/oshkosh. Visit NUTS About Southwest, the carrier's Company blog, to read details about this year's partnership as well as a recap of Southwest's past involvement with EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Southwest Airlines serves Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport with nonstop flights to six cities: Phoenix, Las Vegas, Kansas City, Baltimore/Washington, Tampa Bay, and Orlando.  Additional one-stop or connecting service links Southwest Customers in Southeast Wisconsin to 55 cities across the country. About Southwest Airlines Co. In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and has recently acquired AirTran Airways, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest serves 72 cities in 37 states and is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide. About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration and EAA's yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.airventure.org. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.  SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Every aviation geek in the world knows THE place to be the last week of July is Oshkosh, Wisconsin for the annual AirVenture event.  Part air show, part county fair, part trade show, part rock concert, AirVenture is the largest aviation event in the world with a half-million attendees.  Southwest took an airplane to the show last year, and we had a fantastic time.  This year we will be back, but with a larger, week-long presence.  All week, you can find us at the Welcome Center.  We welcome you to stop by and chat with us.    We are a presenting sponsor of “Super Saturday” on July 30, and once again we will have a 737 with a special AirVenture 2011 decal available for tours.  Super Saturday also includes a concert with Aaron Tippin, an amazing Night Air Show, and the Daher-Socata Fireworks show.  A post event party is planned for the ConocoPhillips Plaza, where folks can meet the Night Air Show performers. This year, we are hosting a sweepstakes that gives away roundtrip air travel to Milwaukee for two, one-day’s admission at AirVenture for two, and a two-night hotel stay.  Rules and the online entry form are at southwest.com/Oshkosh.    Most of all, AirVenture is about airplanes, big, small, slow, fast, and amazing.  This year is the 100 th anniversary of Naval and Marine Aviation, and historic Navy aircraft will be on display and in the air.  As part of the salute to Naval and Marine aviators, we will operate an Honor Flight, on Wednesday, July 27, to take approximately 80 World War II veterans to their memorial in Washington, D.C.  The Honor Flight returns home to Oshkosh late that afternoon, and it will feature primarily World War II Naval vets.   This year is also the Centennial of Air Mail, and early mail planes like the JN-4 Jenny and Stinson Tri-Motor will be there.  Legendary Pilots Bob Hoover and Dick Rutan are being saluted, and Hoover’s Focke-Wolfe FW-190 and Rutan’s Space Ship One will be represented. Like last year’s gathering of DC-3s, another legendary pre-war airliner is being saluted with the gathering of Lockheed 12s.  A B-29 and Curtiss C-46 are also scheduled to attend.  The really amazing thing about AirVenture is that the list of aircraft will continue to grow right up until show time.  I can only scratch the surface of the aeronautical delights that will be there, but I will be posting updates until we leave for the show.  For more detailed information about the show in general, click here. Advance purchase admission tickets and camping at AirVenture are now available here.   ... View more

Sweepstakes Celebrates the Carrier’s 40 th Anniversary   DALLAS—May 12, 2011—Just in time for summer, Southwest Airlines and SeaWorld are teaming up to offer Customers great savings on family vacations and the chance to win a trip to visit SeaWorld! In celebration of Southwest Airlines’ 40 th Anniversary and SeaWorld’s new Shamu show, “One Ocean,” the companies have partnered to give away 40 trips in 40 days! Each prize will include the following for a family of four: tickets to the winner’s SeaWorld of choice, hotel accommodations in that city, and roundtrip tickets on Southwest Airlines. Visit www.southwest.com/oneocean to enter to win. Additionally, Southwest is offering special anniversary deals in Orlando, San Antonio, and San Diego. Deals include 40 percent off hotels, $40 off Avis car rentals, fourth night free on vacation packages, adult tickets at kid prices to all three SeaWorld parks, and much more. To further the celebration, Southwest and SeaWorld Employees and Customers welcomed SeaWorld’s penguins, Pete and Penny, at San Antonio International Airport today.  Southwest Customers were greeted by this pair of Magellanic penguins, along with a lemur and a wallaby, and were able to take photos with the animals while chatting with the trainers. SeaWorld also gave away park specific admission tickets at the gates. “Southwest and SeaWorld’s uniqueness is captured in today’s event.  Two happy penguins, a lemur, a wallaby, and 40 trips in 40 days.  Only Southwest Airlines and SeaWorld together could create such a Shamu-sized promotion,” said Andy Allmann, Southwest Airlines’ Director of National Strategic Partnerships.  “For more than 25 years, Southwest Airlines and SeaWorld have partnered to provide our Customers the best overall family travel experience—from the first step into Southwest’s Shamu One plane to visiting one of their parks in Orlando, San Antonio and San Diego.” “We are proud to partner with Southwest Airlines in their 40 th Anniversary celebration.  This sweepstakes gives 40 families the chance to enjoy a VIP experience like only Southwest and SeaWorld can provide,” said Barbara Karasek, Corporate Vice President of Partnerships and Licensing for SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. “The winners will also have the chance to dive into our brand new Shamu show called “One Ocean,” a multi-sensory celebration of life underneath the sea that entertains as it educates.”  In addition to the new “One Ocean” whale show, SeaWorld San Diego also debuts this summer Turtle Reef – an attraction that will allow guests to get an up-close look at 60 threatened or endangered sea turtles, as well as learn more about the threats sea turtles face in the wild.  The attraction also will feature thousands of tropical fish, and a new ride that takes passengers on an exciting rescue mission of their own. The focal point of Turtle Reef is a nearly 300,000-gallon aquarium with a massive underwater viewing gallery.   About SeaWorld SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX), operates 10 parks across the U.S. including SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg.  The 10 parks play host to 23 million guests each year and employ 20,000 people nationwide.   About Southwest Airlines Co.    In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and has recently acquired AirTran Airways, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest serves 72 cities in 37 states and is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide.   ... View more

Southwest Airlines Reports April Traffic DALLAS, May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that the Company flew 7.0 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in April 2011, an 8.7 percent increase from the 6.5 billion RPMs flown in April 2010. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 7.5 percent to 8.8 billion from the April 2010 level of 8.2 billion. The load factor for the month was 79.7 percent, compared to 78.8 percent for April 2010. For April 2011, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have increased in the four to five percent range compared to April 2010. For the first four months of 2011, Southwest flew 26.2 billion RPMs, compared to 23.6 billion RPMs flown for the same period in 2010, an increase of 11.0 percent. ASMs increased 8.1 percent to 33.3 billion from the 2010 level of 30.8 billion. The year-to-date load factor was 78.7 percent, compared to 76.7 percent for the same period last year. This release, as well as past news releases on Southwest, is available online at southwest.com. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. PRELIMINARY COMPARATIVE TRAFFIC STATISTICS APRIL 2011 2010 CHANGE Revenue passengers carried 7,522,952 7,495,073 0.4 % Enplaned passengers 9,223,678 8,911,492 3.5 % Revenue passenger miles (000) 7,040,248 6,477,421 8.7 % Available seat miles (000) 8,830,037 8,215,474 7.5 % Load factor 79.7% 78.8% 0.9 pts. Average length of haul 936 864 8.3 % Trips flown 96,683 93,719 3.2 % YEAR-TO-DATE 2011 2010 CHANGE Revenue passengers carried 28,638,067 27,471,908 4.2 % Enplaned passengers 34,822,796 32,605,956 6.8 % Revenue passenger miles (000) 26,236,133 23,639,135 11.0 % Available seat miles (000) 33,335,710 30,834,934 8.1 % Load factor 78.7% 76.7% 2.0 pts. Average length of haul 916 860 6.5 % Trips flown 370,506 355,611 4.2 % SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.   ... View more

Carrier Introduces Additional Connections through Chicago Midway and Las Vegas and Announces ‘Explore Mexico’ Sweepstakes   DALLAS—May 5, 2011—Southwest Airlines [NYSE: LUV] today more than doubled the number of Southwest markets able to connect to Mexico, through both Chicago Midway and Las Vegas. 26 Southwest cities, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest, now connect to Volaris flights between Chicago Midway and Guadalajara, Mexico. These new markets include New York’s LaGuardia, Boston Logan, Detroit Metro, Newark Liberty International, Baltimore Washington International, Philadelphia International, Pittsburgh International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Nashville International, Indianapolis International, Lambert-St. Louis International, and Louisville International, among others.             In addition, more than 20 Southwest cities, primarily across the Southwest and West, now connect to Volaris flights between Las Vegas-McCarran and Guadalajara, Mexico. These new cities include Austin-Bergstrom International, Houston Hobby, Oklahoma City, Tulsa International, San Antonio International, and San Diego International, and join Denver International, Los Angeles International, Oakland International, Mineta-San Jose International, Sacramento International, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International, creating new connections to Cancun and Mexico City via Guadalajara.             In celebration of this new service, Southwest announces a sweepstakes for roundtrip travel to and two nights’ accommodation at an Intercontinental Hotel at any of Volaris’ gateway cities for two lucky grand prize winners. Learn more about this contest at www.southwest.com/mexicogiveaway. Last November, Southwest Airlines launched a new product that allows Customers to book international flights by connecting with Volaris, Mexico’s second-largest airline, to Volaris destinations of Guadalajara, Morelia, Toluca/Mexico City, and Zacatecas-all in Mexico.    Now over 160 cross-border flight itineraries are for sale at southwest.com.  For a complete list of service click here: http://swa.wieck.com/releases/05fbe1c7-4826-25f5-1b8c-19004dc2ea77             The connecting service provides Southwest and Volaris Customers a seamless transaction and travel experience. The airline’s international connection conducts two separate transactions, one with Southwest’s reservations system and one with Volaris’ reservations system. The unique technology will connect the two transactions and provide Customers with one low fare. Customers traveling on an international connection will be required to check in with each carrier, but luggage will be transferred by the airlines and delivered to the final destination, with only one touch point. Southwest Customers can book travel and learn more about Volaris’ service, policies, and procedures at www.southwest.com/mexico.  Southwest has created an international help desk staffed with bilingual Customer Service Agents to support this effort. Customers can call 1-888-329-8776 for assistance with their travel.    In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and has recently acquired AirTran Airways, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest serves 72 cities in 37 states and is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report TM . Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide. ... View more

Airlines will operate separately until receipt of Single Operating Certificate In the near term, Customers will continue to interact exclusively with their ticketed carrier AirTran aircraft to be converted to Southwest brand starting in 2012 Southwest’s Bob Jordan will serve as President of AirTran during integration DALLAS, TEXAS - May 2, 2011 – Southwest Airlines [NYSE:LUV] announced today that it has closed on its purchase of all of the outstanding common stock of AirTran Holdings, Inc. [NYSE:AAI], the former parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran).    “The successful closing of this transaction is a significant accomplishment and marks a great day in the history of Southwest Airlines.  I want to thank the People from both Southwest and AirTran who helped us achieve this important milestone,” said Gary Kelly, CEO, Chairman, and President of Southwest Airlines.  “Our first order of business is to welcome our new friends from AirTran to the family in a truly Southwest Airlines way.   “The acquisition of AirTran represents a unique opportunity to extend our network into key markets we don’t yet serve, such as Atlanta and Washington, D.C., via Ronald Reagan National Airport. It gives us the opportunity to serve more than 100 million Customers annually from more than 100 different airports in the U.S. and near-international destinations, providing Customers more low-fare destinations as we diversify and expand the well-known ‘Southwest Effect’ to hundreds of additional low-fare itineraries for the traveling public. Today, we also celebrate the promise of expanding our presence at New York LaGuardia, Boston Logan, Milwaukee, and Baltimore/Washington, as well as extending our service to many smaller domestic cities that we don’t serve today, with access to key near-international leisure markets in the Caribbean and Mexico,” Kelly said.    “The timing of today’s closing in the current market environment could not be more important,” he continued. “With soaring fuel costs putting many airlines, yet again, in the red, Southwest brings many strengths to bear. Southwest not only brings profitability and financial strength to make this deal feasible, but it also positions the combined companies with an industry-leading investment grade balance sheet to weather the energy-price storm. In addition, it currently positions Southwest to offer improved job security, compensation, and benefits to AirTran Crew Members who join the Southwest family. Further, Southwest’s profitability and financial strength, along with the United States’ largest Low Fare network, puts AirTran Crew Members in a position to be part of a growing company again, once AirTran is integrated into Southwest.”     Transaction Information   Based on the average of Southwest Airlines’ closing prices for the 20 trading days ending three trading days prior to May 2, 2011, of $11.90, the transaction values AirTran common stock at approximately $7.57 per share, or $1.0 billion in the aggregate, excluding shares issuable upon conversion of AirTran's outstanding convertible notes*.  Each share of AirTran common stock will be exchanged for $3.75 in cash and 0.321 shares of Southwest Airlines' common stock.   Assuming no conversion of AirTran's outstanding convertible notes*, AirTran stockholders will receive 44 million shares of Southwest Airlines common stock, which will represent  5.6 percent of the Southwest Airlines common shares outstanding.  Additionally, they will receive cash of $518 million.  Including the existing AirTran net indebtedness (including outstanding convertible notes) and capitalized aircraft operating leases, the total transaction value is $3.2 billion. The transaction, including the anticipated benefit of net synergies, but excluding the impact of one-time acquisition and integration costs, is expected to be accretive to Southwest Airlines pro forma fully-diluted earnings per share in the first twelve months after today’s close and strongly accretive upon full realization of net synergies. Net annual synergies are estimated to exceed $400 million by 2013. One-time costs related to the acquisition and integration of AirTran are currently estimated to be approximately $500 million. AirTran revenues and operating income for the twelve months ending December 31, 2010, were $2.6 billion and $128 million, respectively.  Southwest Airlines revenues and operating income for the twelve months ending December 31, 2010, were $12.1 billion and $988 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2011, the combined unrestricted cash and short-term investments of the two companies was approximately $5.0 billion. Southwest’s funding for the transaction will be from its cash on hand.  In addition, Southwest Airlines has a fully available, unsecured revolving credit facility of $800 million. Southwest Airlines is committed to keeping all stakeholders updated on the progress of the integration process and intends to provide an update, in that regard, in conjunction with its second quarter earnings announcement, currently scheduled for August 4, 2011.     Leadership   Bob Jordan, Southwest’s Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning, will serve as President of AirTran effective today. Bob Fornaro, who has served as Chairman, President, and CEO at AirTran, will move to a new key role today as a full-time consultant for the integration of the two airlines, working closely with Kelly and Jordan to ensure a smooth transition.  As previously announced, Southwest Airlines’ headquarters will remain in Dallas, with plans for AirTran’s operations and presence in both Orlando and Atlanta still under review. Additional announcements during the integration will be made as plans unfold.   Jordan will continue to serve on the joint Integration Board consisting of Kelly, Fornaro, Mike Van de Ven (Southwest Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer), Loral Blinde (AirTran Senior Vice President Human Resources and Administration), and Jeff Lamb (Southwest Senior Vice President of Administration & Chief People Officer). The Integration Board will continue to provide overall direction of the integration efforts. Until a Single Operating Certificate (SOC) is secured from the Federal Aviation Administration, AirTran operational Departments will continue operating under the AirTran operating certificate with the full authority of its operating teams led by Klaus Goersch, AirTran's Executive Vice President Operations and Customer Service. Goersch will report directly to Jordan, and will work closely with Mike Van de Ven. The remainder of the leadership structure will be communicated at a future date.         Customer Experience   Southwest and AirTran will immediately begin the work to integrate AirTran into Southwest Airlines.  However, AirTran will continue to operate under the AirTran brand with its same policies, procedures, and product features for a period of time.  Southwest plans to integrate AirTran into Southwest Airlines over time by transitioning the AirTran fleet to the Southwest Airlines livery, developing a consistent Customer Experience, and transitioning the operations of the two carriers onto a Single Operating Certificate.  Southwest currently expects it will obtain a SOC in the first quarter of 2012 and estimates it will take several years to fully transition AirTran into Southwest Airlines to become one airline.   In the near term, Customers can expect to interact with each carrier as they always have. Customers flying on AirTran will continue to make reservations or check in at airtran.com or by calling 800-247-8726, and visit AirTran kiosks and ticket counters.  AirTran Crew Members (employees) will assist on scheduled AirTran flights. Customers flying on Southwest will continue to make reservations or check in at southwest.com or by calling 800-435-9792, or at Southwest kiosks and ticket counters.  Southwest Employees will assist on scheduled Southwest flights. Customers will continue to earn and redeem through the respective frequent flier loyalty programs, as they do today, until those programs are combined over time.   Southwest plans to provide the ability for Customers to connect across the networks and integrate key Customer Service policies for a more consistent Customer Experience, in the fall or early next year, depending on both companies' readiness. Any changes to the Customer Experience on either carrier will be communicated in advance via southwest.com, airtran.com, and in direct Customer communications.     Celebrating our Employees   "Today's closing is an important first step to fulfilling our mission to spread low fares farther and increase competition throughout the airline industry," Kelly said. "Our progress, to date, on integration planning has been outstanding.  Without our Employees’ hard work and enthusiasm about this acquisition, we would not have reached this point.  As we now take it to the next level and begin to implement our integration plan, their continued efforts will be key to our success. I have confidence in our People and their ability to successfully execute these plans."   Kelly, Jordan, Fornaro, and leaders from both airlines today will host celebratory events in all mainland locations for both Southwest and AirTran. Following the closing, the three executives departed Southwest’s Dallas headquarters for Atlanta, AirTran’s largest Crew Member (employee) location, onboard an AirTran jet. The team will host an afternoon event for Employees at AirTran’s maintenance hangar there. The event will be webcast live for Employees and watched in such locations as Baltimore/Washington, Milwaukee, and Orlando, where the carriers each have a significant presence. Live Webcast Southwest and AirTran will provide a multimedia, live stream webcast of the day’s events in Dallas and Atlanta, as well as other video material featuring Southwest Leaders and Employees of both carriers, at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/southwest-airlines-headquarters. The material will be archived and available to view later on the same site. Additional photos, videos, fact sheets, and other resources are available at lowfaresfarther.com  and at Southwest’s digital newsroom, swamedia.com. About Southwest Airlines In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 72 cities in 37 states with the addition of service to Newark Liberty International Airport on March 27, 2011. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report TM . Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 35,000 Employees systemwide. About AirTran Airways AirTran Airways is a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. and has been ranked the top airline in the Airline Quality Rating study twice in the past four years.  AirTran is the only major airline with Gogo Inflight Internet on every flight and offers coast-to-coast service on North America’s newest all-Boeing fleet. AirTran’s low-cost, high-quality product also includes assigned seating, Business Class and complimentary SiriusXM Satellite Radio on every flight. To book a flight, visit airtran.com.   *Pursuant to the terms of the indentures governing AirTran’s 5.50% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2015 and 5.25% Convertible Senior Notes Due 2016, holders of such notes may surrender their notes for conversion at any time during the applicable make-whole conversion period.  That period began on April 11, 2011 and ends on a date that will be publicly announced in a Notice to be sent to each Holder within 15 business days after today.   Including shares issuable upon conversion of these series of outstanding convertible notes, AirTran stockholders will receive 57 million shares of Southwest Airlines common stock, which will represent 7.1 percent of the Southwest Airlines common shares outstanding.  Based on AirTran’s common shares outstanding and assuming conversion of AirTran’s outstanding convertible notes, AirTran stockholders will also receive $671 million in cash.   Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements related to Southwest’s acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc. Specific forward-looking statements include without limitation statements related to Southwest’s integration plans and the anticipated impact of the acquisition on (i) the future operations of Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways; (ii) Southwest’s growth opportunities; (iii) the Southwest and AirTran Customer experience, offerings, and benefits; (iv) Southwest’s results of operations, including expected synergies and the projected earnings impact of the acquisition; and (v) employee matters. These forward-looking statements are based on Southwest's current intent, beliefs, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future performance. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) Southwest's ability to successfully integrate AirTran's business and realize the expected synergies from the acquisition; (ii) the impact of fuel prices and economic conditions on Southwest’s business plans and strategies; (iii) the impact of the economy on demand for air travel and fluctuations in consumer demand generally for the services to be provided as a result of the acquisition; (iv) actions of competitors, including without limitation pricing, scheduling, and capacity decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities; (v) the impact of governmental regulations on Southwest 's operations; and (vi) other factors, as described in Southwest’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010. ... View more

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES RELEASES SECOND STATEMENT REGARDING FLIGHT 1919 AT CHICAGO MIDWAY Plane Exited Runway Upon Arrival; No Injuries Reported DALLAS—April 26, 2011—Southwest Airlines’ Flight 1919 exited the runway at Chicago’s Midway Airport while landing at approximately 1:33 p.m. CT today. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-700, arrived from Denver International Airport, where it had departed at 9:56 a.m. MT.   The preliminary passenger list, still subject to verification, indicates that the aircraft carried 134 passengers, five lap children, and five crew members. Initial reports are that no one was injured. The passengers have been safely deplaned from the aircraft using air stairs and have been bused to the terminal.   Southwest officials are working with passengers to get them to their final destinations. The airline is making outreach to each Customer onboard the flight to refund their roundtrip and issue them two complimentary roundtrip passes as a gesture of goodwill.   Southwest officials are in direct contact with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as they perform an investigation into the cause of this incident.   Southwest is working aggressively to minimize Customer inconvenience at Midway Airport. Customers are encouraged to check flight status at www.southwest.com before heading to the airport. Southwest is experiencing some delays at Chicago’s Midway Airport as a result of the aircraft off the runway. ... View more

U.S. Department of Justice Informs Southwest and AirTran That It Has Completed Antitrust Review   Transaction currently plans to close on May 2, 2011   Dallas – April 26, 2011 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) and AirTran Holdings, Inc. [NYSE:AAI], the parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran), today announced they have been notified by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) of the termination of its Hart-Scott-Rodino Act review and the closing of its investigation of the airlines' pending merger.   AirTran stockholders approved the acquisition of AirTran by Southwest Airlines on March 23, 2011, which, when combined with DOJ approval and other regulatory clearances, constitutes one of the final steps toward closing the transaction.  Southwest said previously that it plans to close on May 2, 2011.    Upon closing, Southwest will turn its efforts to welcoming its new colleagues and integrating AirTran’s operations. Next steps also include beginning work on securing a Single Operating Certificate (SOC) from the Federal Aviation Administration, which is currently projected for completion in the first quarter of 2012.   On Sept. 27, 2010, Southwest Airlines announced that it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of AirTran for a combination of cash and Southwest Airlines’ common stock.  The combination of AirTran and Southwest Airlines is expected to generate substantial benefits to consumers, including the expansion of low-fare competition in airline markets across the United States, the creation of broader network offerings with a wider range of consumer choices, improved quality and service, and the overall creation of a platform for new growth.   Southwest Airlines also would like to acknowledge the efforts of the United States Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration as the companies worked through this process.   About Southwest Airlines In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers—offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and now serves 72 cities in 37 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Communications in this news release contain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Specific forward-looking statements relate to Southwest’s plans and expectations with respect to its anticipated acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (“AirTran”). Forward-looking statements are based on, and include statements about, Southwest’s estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, and strategies for the future. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the possibility that the transaction is delayed or does not close, including due to the failure of closing conditions; and (ii) Southwest’s ability to successfully integrate AirTrans’ business. Additional information concerning the risks associated with Southwest’s anticipated acquisition is included under the heading “Risk Factors” in Southwest’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010, and in Southwest’s registration statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC that includes a proxy statement of AirTran that also constitutes a prospectus of Southwest.  Southwest undertakes no obligation to publicly update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date hereto.     ### ... View more

Southwest is operating our full schedule today (4/24) out of St. Louis. This will be our final update. ... View more

Southwest Airlines operations from Lambert-St. Louis International Airport are suspended as the airport works to clear debris and make safety checks following Friday night’s severe weather.  As a result, Southwest’s full schedule of Saturday flights to and from St. Louis has been canceled. Southwest has no reports of injuries among our Customers or Employees as high winds hit the airport Friday night.  Southwest operates from Terminal E at Lambert-St. Louis which has no major damage as a result of the severe weather. Southwest Customers holding reservations for Saturday and Sunday travel involving St. Louis should visit southwest.com to make changes to their travel plans and get flight-specific updates.  For information about Southwest’s St. Louis service, Employees and number of gates in Terminal E, please click here. Additional information is available from the Official site of Lambert St. Louis International Airport.   ... View more

Southwest Airlines Pilots, AirTran Pilots, and Carriers Reach Four-Party AgreementPact Provides for Implementation Schedule DALLAS, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Earlier today, the respective Unions representing Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and AirTran Airways Pilots, as well as both Companies signed a Four-Party Process Agreement that provides for the two pilot groups to begin their seniority integration discussions prior to legal closing of the AirTran acquisition. It also outlines provisions of an implementation schedule in the event an agreement is reached on an integrated seniority list (ISL). Southwest anticipates closing on its acquisition of AirTran Airways in second quarter of 2011. "This is yet another important step in the overall process of bringing these two great carriers together," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "I applaud both sides for signing this important agreement that lays the groundwork for bringing together these two hard working Pilot groups." The Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) and the Air Line Pilots' Association (ALPA) can now begin the work of integrating seniority lists in accordance with the McCaskill-Bond Act. This new Four-Party Process Agreement also creates a timeline for SWAPA and ALPA to reach an ISL agreement. If an agreement is not reached during this timeframe, the matter will be sent to arbitration and a new implementation process will have to be negotiated. After nearly 40 years of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 72 cities in 37 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Carrier, Stock Clerks Ratify New, Five-Year Agreement DALLAS, March 22, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing the carrier's Material Specialists (formerly known as Stock Clerks), announced today that the IBT membership ratified a mutually beneficial tentative agreement. The agreement is for a new, five-year contract through Aug. 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on Aug. 16, 2008. One year ago, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. IBT represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines Employees. "We are pleased to have reached an agreement with this valued workgroup," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "The new agreement incorporates a job title change that better reflects the functions performed by the IBT members. The new contract also provides for wage and benefit enhancements in exchange for work rule improvements and contract flexibility, which are important elements for Southwest to effectively compete and set a path toward growth." In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 71 cities in 36 states. On March 13, 2011, Southwest initiated service to Charleston and Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina, and on March 27, 2011, service will begin to Newark Liberty International Airport. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Thu, Mar 17, 2011 - DALLAS - Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is currently in contract negotiations with its Dispatchers, represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) 550. At yesterday's negotiating session, the carrier announced that it will seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. "We are naturally disappointed that we have been unable to reach an agreement with the Transport Workers Union 550," said Greg Wells, Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President of Operations. "Southwest Airlines is committed to rewarding our Dispatchers for their hard work and productivity. At the same time, we must reach a fair and equitable agreement that we believe will ensure the continued competitiveness and financial stability of the entire company. Mediation is another method to assist in the collective bargaining process, and we look forward to working with a Mediator to arrive at a contract that is acceptable to everyone." Dates for mediation sessions have not been set. TWU 550 represents approximately 185 Southwest Airlines Dispatchers. The Company's current contract with TWU 550 became amendable in November 2009. ... View more

LANZATE TAKES OFF! DALLAS, March 16, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), in conjunction with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), today opened applications for "Lanzate," an annual travel award program supporting education. Online applications will be accepted through April 29, 2011, at www.hacu.net . The program is geared toward college students with economic need who must travel away from home to pursue higher education. A panel of judges comprised of college professors and education advocates from coast to coast will gather this summer to select winners from the pool of students who complete the online form. All of the participants must submit an essay describing their inspiration to pursue a college degree. Each student will be eligible for up to four tickets for use by the student and/or a parent traveling to/from the university. To view the criteria for the 2011 award program, please visit: http://swamedia.com/documents/Criteria2011.pdf "As HACU celebrates its Silver Anniversary this year, we are appreciative of our continued partnership with Southwest Airlines that has helped so many college students stay connected with their families," said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. "For the past seven years, the Lanzate travel program has made a difference in the lives of students by providing them a travel award incentive as they pursue their dream of a higher education." Nearly 2,000 students have submitted applications in the past six years, leading to the success of this educational program. "Southwest Airlines facilitates the Freedom of Flying to deserving students, who struggle to make their dreams of higher education come true. Staying connected to the family can make a big difference on that educational journey," said Christine Ortega, Southwest Airlines Manager of Community Affairs and Grassroots. "This program reunites families when, for example, students might not get to go home during Christmas break. This program also helps celebrate their proudest moments, when a student moves into a dorm or graduates with a college degree." To read more about the program, visit our corporate blog at: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/southwest-airlines-yeast-behind-take-offlanzate-travel-award HACU, which has its national headquarters in San Antonio, Texas, represents approximately 450 colleges and universities, including Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), which collectively serve more than two-thirds of all Hispanic higher education students in the United States and Puerto Rico. HACU's international membership includes leading higher education institutions in Latin America and Europe. About Southwest Airlines In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlinescontinues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded; now serving 71 cities in 36 states and will begin serving Newark Liberty International Airport on March 27, 2011. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report(TM). Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees. SOURCE Southwest Airlines   ... View more