Southwest Airlines Community

sheaser · ‎11-04-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]The first part of this podcast was released a few weeks back. It has Dick East and Liz Kelly talking about Ronald McDonald Houses that they have been associated with. In this installment hear Dick tells the REAL story about how the Corpus Christi RMH got started, his “fake” cooking in New Orleans, and the secret to getting money for this good cause.

sheaser · ‎11-03-2010

The first part of this podcast was released a few weeks back. It has Dick East and Liz Kelly talking about Ronald McDonald Houses that they have been associated with.

sheaser · ‎10-27-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]Did you know that the top of the pitcher’s mound is 10 and-a-half inches above the level of home plate? On this edition of Red Belly Radio I just couldn’t help myself. I went into the Red Belly Radio vault and found a gem. About a year ago I talked to Nolan Ryan. Nolan was a Major League pitcher—well, that is a gross understatement. I guess you could say he was the Major League pitcher. He played 27 seasons and even in his 40s he could throw pitches faster than 100 mph. He holds all sorts of records, is a very nice guy, and I maintain that he is clairvoyant. (listen to understand the fortune telling reference.) So what is the tie-in with Southwest Airlines and a retired baseball pitcher? Well, in addition to Nolan Ryan being a past spokesman for Southwest, he is now one of the owners of the Texas Rangers who are playing in the World Series against the San Francisco Giants. I’m pulling for the Rangers because I live in Dallas and I like Nolan, but in all fairness, I like San Francisco (the city) but have never met anyone form the Giants organization to interview. I don’t know how often it happens, but this year, (well within a 12 month period,) both the Super Bowl and the World Series will be played in the same city. That city if of course Arlington, Texas, and it is not too far from Love Field in Dallas. Cool.

sheaser · ‎10-27-2010

Did you know that the top of the pitcher’s mound is 10 and-a-half inches above the level of home plate? On this edition of Red Belly Radio I just couldn’t help myself. I went into the Red Belly Radio vault and found a gem when I talked to baseball legend Nolan Ryan.

sheaser · ‎10-25-2010

On this episode of Red Belly Radio, hear Gary Kelly talk about our third quarter earnings. Hear him respond to questions the direction of the price of fuel; the UAL/Continental merger; and why does everyone else need to charge for bags? Red Belly Radio is a podcast available on SWALife for the Employees of Southwest Airlines as well as on iTunes for anyone interested in hearing how great this company really is.

sheaser · ‎10-25-2010

Hear Gary Kelly talk about our third quarter earnings as he responds to questions the direction of the price of fuel; the UAL/Continental merger; and why does everyone else need to charge for bags?

sheaser · ‎10-08-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]I recorded this episode at our University for People, during the Kidd’s Kids Day pledge drive. I spoke with Jenna, who is part of the syndicated show, and Derrick who is the executive director of the Kraddick foundation. The Dallas-based radio show, Kidd Kraddick in the morning, raises funds every year to send families with special needs kids to the Disney parks in Orlando Florida.

sheaser · ‎10-08-2010

I recorded this episode at our University for People, during the Kidd’s Kids Day pledge drive. I spoke with Jenna, who is part of the syndicated show, and Derrick who is the executive director of the Kraddick foundation. I recorded this episode at our University for People, during the Kidd’s Kids Day pledge drive. I spoke with Jenna, who is part of the syndicated show, and Derrick who is the executive director of the Kraddick foundation.

sheaser · ‎10-01-2010

This week’s episode of Red Belly Radio is an interview with Bob Fornaro, the President, Chairman of the Board, and CEO of AirTran Airways. The interview was recorded shortly after the press conference regarding Southwest Airlines definitive agreement to acquire AirTran. Don’t forget that you can subscribe to Red Belly Radio through iTunes, thanks for listening. Important Information for Investors and Stockholders The communications contained in Red Belly Radio do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. The proposed acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (“AirTran”) by Southwest Airlines Co. (“Southwest”) will be submitted to the stockholders of AirTran for their consideration. In connection therewith, Southwest will file a registration statement on Form S‐4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) that will include a proxy statement of AirTran that also constitutes a prospectus of Southwest. Southwest and AirTran also plan to file other documents with the SEC regarding the proposed transaction. SOUTHWEST URGES INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF AIRTRAN TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement/prospectus and other documents containing important information about Southwest and AirTran, once such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Southwest will be available free of charge on Southwest’s website at www.southwest.com under the tab “Investor Relations” or by contacting Southwest’s Investor Relations Department at (214) 792‐4415. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by AirTran will be available free of charge on AirTran’s website at www.airtran.com under the tab “Investor Relations” or by contacting AirTran’s Investor Relations Department at (407) 318‐5187. Southwest, AirTran and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of AirTran in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Southwest is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2010 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 16, 2010. Information about the directors and executive officers of AirTran is set forth in its proxy statement for its 2010 annual meeting of stockholders, which was filed with the SEC on April 2, 2010. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. Other information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward‐Looking Statements The communications contained on this website 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. Forward‐looking statements are based on, and include statements about, Southwest’s estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, and strategies for the future. Specific forward‐looking statement include, without limitation, statements regarding Southwest’s plans and expectations with respect to the acquisition of AirTran and the anticipated impact of the acquisition on Southwest’s financial and operational results, including without limitation, the expected impact of the acquisition on (i) Southwest’s strategies and goals; (ii) its growth opportunities and competitive position; (iii) its Customer experience, offerings, and benefits; (iv) its future operations, including fleet plans; (v) its integration plans; and (vi) its results of operations, including expected synergies. 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) the possibility that the transaction is delayed or does not close, including due to the inability of Southwest and AirTran to obtain all approvals necessary or the failure of other closing conditions; (ii) Southwest’s ability to successfully integrate AirTran’s business and realize the expected synergies from the transaction; (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 transaction; (iv) the impact of fuel prices and economic conditions on Southwest’s business plans and strategies; (v) actions of competitors, including without limitation pricing, scheduling, and capacity decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities; and (vi) the impact of governmental regulations on Southwest’s operations. Southwest cautions that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive. Additional information concerning these and other risks is contained in Southwest’s and AirTran’s most recently filed Annual Reports on Form 10‐K, subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10‐Q, recent Current Reports on Form 8‐K, and other SEC filings. Southwest undertakes no obligation to publicly update any of these forward‐looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date herto.

sheaser · ‎10-01-2010

For complete details, see the blog post titled "Red Belly Radio Talks with Bob Fornaro from AirTran Airways" from October 1, 2010.

sheaser · ‎09-29-2010

At Southwest, we’re NUTS about HazelNUT…coffee creamer that is! Southwest Airlines is bringing back its favorite flavored coffee creamer onboard to all of its flights. This creamer is a seasonal offering that will be available through the beginning of the New Year. We sent Employees into the field to do "market research" on Customer reactions to LIFT coffee and the Hazelnut coffee creamer. See what they had to say!

sheaser · ‎09-23-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]Ronald McDonald House is the primary corporate charity of Southwest Airlines. But did you know Southwest’s interest in the Ronald McDonald House program first started 1983 by one of our Pilots, Retired Captain Dick East, following the loss of his daughter to leukemia. On this episode of Red Belly Radio we hear from Dick who began volunteering at houses in cities where he flew and often recruited his coworkers to join him. Now, dinners are cooked every month by Southwest Employees across our system. In this, the first part of a two part series, Dick East, now a retired Southwest Airlines Captain, and Liz Kelley, one of the founders of the Houston Ronald McDonald House, talk about how their children affected their lives.

sheaser · ‎09-23-2010

Retired Captain Dick East, following the loss of his daughter to leukemia began volunteering at houses in cities where he flew and often recruited his coworkers to join him. Now, dinners are cooked every month by Southwest Employees across our system. Retired Captain Dick East, following the loss of his daughter to leukemia began volunteering at houses in cities where he flew and often recruited his coworkers to join him. Now, dinners are cooked every month by Southwest Employees across our system.

sheaser · ‎09-15-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]On this edition of Red Belly Radio, I have part three of our interview with Southwest Airlines Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Herb Kelleher, talking about the early days and the industry back then. If you missed the first two parts, they were from April and June of this year, and if you didn’t realize it, you can subscribe to Red Belly Radio through iTunes and it will be delivered to you every Wednesday. I highly recommend it. Herb answers questions about how he and Rollin King studied the two California intrastate airlines, Air California and PSA, and how Southwest was able to beat these low-cost pioneers? I’ll give you a hint—costs! And Herb talks about how deregulation played into the aviation industry during those days and shares a great story about a letter he got from a US Congressman after we started service to New Orleans. Great stuff!

sheaser · ‎09-15-2010

Part three of our interview with Southwest Airlines Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Herb Kelleher, talking about the early days and the industry back then. Herb answers questions about how he and Rollin King studied the two California intrastate airlines, Air California and PSA, and how Southwest was able to beat these low-cost pioneers? I’ll give you a hint—costs! Part three of our interview with Southwest Airlines Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Herb Kelleher, talking about the early days and the industry back then. Herb answers questions about how he and Rollin King studied the two California intrastate airlines, Air California and PSA, and how Southwest was able to beat these low-cost pioneers? I’ll give you a hint—costs!

sheaser · ‎09-08-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]This episode of Red Belly Radio is about the Winning Spirit is an Award which is given to Employees who go above and beyond to help a Customer or Fellow Employee. Awards are presented every other month by our CEO, Gary Kelly, and other officers whose departments are represented. The Awards were given out yesterday and all of the recipients were all well deserving, but one story caught my ear. I especially like to hear when these stories cross departments and in this case the event started in the Phoenix call center when CS&S Rep, Karen Shepherd answered the phone. After learning about a special Customer she contacted the Denver airport and CSA Sup, Sarah Hamner, took it from there. They worked together to make a memorable day for someone Karen and Sarah will not soon forget. Hear this story’s on this week’s Episode of Red Belly Radio.

sheaser · ‎09-08-2010

Winning Spirit is an Award is given to Employees who go above and beyond to help a Customer or Fellow Employee. Awards are presented every other month by our CEO, Gary Kelly, and other officers whose departments are represented. The Awards were given out yesterday and all of the recipients were all well deserving, but one story caught my ear. Winning Spirit is an Award is given to Employees who go above and beyond to help a Customer or Fellow Employee. Awards are presented every other month by our CEO, Gary Kelly, and other officers whose departments are represented. The Awards were given out yesterday and all of the recipients were all well deserving, but one story caught my ear.

sheaser · ‎09-01-2010

[asset|aid=329|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall_0.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]On this episode of Red Belly Radio, I play more of the interview with our own President Emeritus, Colleen Barrett. Today, Colleen talks about Customer Relations and some of her lessons learned and lessons taught. This is a continuation of an interview that was first released on June 24. I hope you will give it a listen.

sheaser · ‎09-01-2010

On this episode of Red Belly Radio, I play more of the interview with our own President Emeritus, Colleen Barrett. Today, Colleen talks about Customer Relations and some of her lessons learned and lessons taught. This is a continuation of an interview that was first released on June 24.

sheaser · ‎08-25-2010

[asset|aid=329|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall_0.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]Have you ever spotted a Southwest aircraft in a TV show or movie? This is no accident. Southwest’s Marketing and Communications teams spend part of their time making sure that when our planes and Employees are shown in TV and film that we are represented properly and that our brand is well represented. After all, it is a very valuable brand and we don’t want to be associated with just every project! This episode of Red Belly Radio is an interview with Ashley Dillon from Communications, a member of our Branded Entertainment team. She helps make sure that when a Southwest jet is in a movie, that everything goes smoothly with the production company. For instance the forthcoming movie Going the Distance starring Drew Barrymore and Justin Long is about a long-distance relationship. And what better way to maintain a relationship of this nature than with frequent flights on Southwest Airlines?

sheaser · ‎08-25-2010

Have you ever spotted a Southwest aircraft in a TV show or movie? Have you ever spotted a Southwest aircraft in a TV show or movie? This is no accident. Southwest’s Marketing and Communications teams spend part of their time making sure that when our planes and Employees are shown in TV and film that we are represented properly and that our brand is well represented. After all, it is a very valuable brand and we don’t want to be associated with just every project!

sheaser · ‎08-18-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]This episode of Red Belly Radio is actually by one of our interns, Josh. He recorded it and also wrote the blog, but I had no way to credit him, the system kept putting my name in. (Josh's part starts here) The summer is winding down and as for the Interns, so is their experience here at Southwest Airlines. This year, 55 Interns were chosen out of 10,000 applicants for the summer session. These interns are working in 21 departments around Headquarters. The No Limits Internship program offers real-life work experience at a Company where the Fun-LUVing attitude is contagious. These interns don’t do regular intern tasks such as getting coffee and sending faxes, however, they are getting to do work that really helps our bottom line. In this episode I talked to two interns, Callie Boyd and Taylor Chatfield, who both work with the Culture Activities team. They have helped plan numerous events for Employees around the system to keep the Culture of Southwest Airlines alive and thriving! Planning and executing Culture Activities is just one example of the type of work Interns have the opportunity to get involved in at Southwest Airlines. Give it a listen.

sheaser · ‎08-18-2010

This year, 55 Interns were chosen out of 10,000 applicants for the summer session. These interns are working in 21 departments around Headquarters. The No Limits Internship program offers real-life work experience at a Company where the Fun-LUVing attitude is contagious. This year, 55 Interns were chosen out of 10,000 applicants for the summer session. These interns are working in 21 departments around Headquarters. The No Limits Internship program offers real-life work experience at a Company where the Fun-LUVing attitude is contagious. These interns don’t do regular intern tasks such as getting coffee and sending faxes, however, they are getting to do work that really helps our bottom line.

sheaser · ‎08-11-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]We have cool planes. I know this because I watched people line up for seven hours and wait between 20 and 50 minutes to walk through one at the Air Venture 2010 show in Oshkosh last month. But there is an exceptionally cool plane that also flies around. It is called Air Force One, but actually there are two (more on that later). This episode of Red Belly Radio is about how our operations have to react when Air Force One comes to town. The President flew Monday to AUS and then to DAL and I sat down with Brett Crombie and David Trost who let me ask them questions all about when POTUS (President Of The United States) travels. They work in our Operations Coordination Center as Air Traffic Control Specialists and track all of our flights along with storms and if it showed on their computer screen, Air Force One. That’s right, AF1 does not appear with all the other planes! When AF1--or a plane with the vice president onboard-- is flying, air traffic control has to make adjustments with things like fuel and timing because, depending on the airport, the air space has to be cleared and sometimes even all ground traffic is halted for its departure and arrival. Our Dispatch Employees have to coordinate to make sure our jets have plenty of fuel on board. Air Force One is the name given to whatever plane on which the president is flying. We maintain (that’s we Americans not we Southwest Airlines) two 747s and those are typically the planes the president flies on—wouldn’t you?

sheaser · ‎08-11-2010

When POTUS (President Of The United States) travels it afffects air fraffic. This episode of Red Belly Radio is about what Southwest Airlines has to do to prepare for when that really cool plane comes to town.

sheaser · ‎08-04-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]I was lucky enough to get to attend 2010 Air Venture in Oshkosh. And in addition to seeing hundreds of planes, it wasn’t too hard to find some Southwest Airlines Employees who are fans of Red Belly Radio. Which is to say, it wasn’t too hard to find a few Employees who were willing to be recorded for Red Belly Radio. I talked to Bob Everson who is our Manager of ATC Systems and he explains the complexities of an event like this. Also along for the ride was Brian Lusk, a Manager in Communication and self-admitted airline geek, to explain why we decided to show one of our aircraft at Air Venture this year. And I start out this episode with an interview with PHX-based Flight Attendant and commercial pilot (not for Southwest) Linda Taylor, who was just a blast to be around. Give it a listen.

sheaser · ‎08-04-2010

At the 2010 Air Venture in Oshkosh, it wasn’t too hard to find some Southwest Airlines Employees who are fans of Red Belly Radio. Which is to say, it wasn’t too hard to find a few Employees who were willing to be recorded for Red Belly Radio.

sheaser · ‎07-29-2010

[asset|aid=329|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall_0.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right]Southwest Airlines, probably like most large companies, buys a lot of stuff. In addition to fuel and aircraft, we need computers, carpet, copiers and everything else it takes to run an airline. On this episode of Red Belly Radio, I sat down with Joey from our Purchasing department to see what kind of things go on there. Most of you are probably saying, “hmmm, probably buying things.” And you’d be right, but you might not realize how many things this company buys every year. Or how many bags of peanuts we bought last year!

sheaser · ‎07-29-2010

Southwest Airlines buys a lot of stuff. In addition to fuel and aircraft, we need computers, carpet, copiers and everything else it takes to run an airline. On this episode of Red Belly Radio, I sat down with Joey from our Purchasing department to see what kind of things go on there.

sheaser · ‎07-21-2010

[asset|aid=240|format=image|formatter=asset|title=RBRiPodLogoSmall.gif|width=180|height=179|resizable=true|align=right] This week’s episode of Red Belly Radio is about two people flying from Chicago to Nashville. They were not traveling together, nor did they know each other. Roy Harris, a Southwest Airlines Customer would meet Rachael Jacobs, a Southwest Airlines Flight Attendant. A typical introduction between two people might go something like “Rachael this is Roy, Roy, this is Rachael.” Well their introduction was anything but typical. I don’t want to spoil the ending for you, but Roy had a heart attack and Rachael was at the same gate. Listen to this episode of Red Belly Radio to hear the same story told from two very different perspectives.

Southwest Airlines Community

Ronald McDonald Houses

Ronald McDonald House

The Real King of the Hill

The Real King of the Hill

Gary on Earnings

Gary on Earnings

Kidd’s Kids Pledge Drive

Kidd’s Kids Pledge Drive

Red Belly Radio Talks with Bob Fornaro from AirTra...

Red Belly Radio Talks with Bob Fornaro from AirTra...

NUTS about HazelNUT…Coffee

Southwest and Ronald McDonald Houses, a Match Made...

Southwest and Ronald McDonald Houses, a Match Made...

Herb on History P3

Herb on History P3

Above and Beyond

Above and Beyond

Lessons Learned and Lessons Taught

Lessons Learned and Lessons Taught

I’m Ready For My Close-Up

I’m Ready For My Close-up

Internship Program offers Behind-the-scenes Insigh...

Internship Program offers Behind-the-scenes Insigh...

Air Force One and Only?

Air Force One and Only?

Air Venture Adventure

Air Venture Adventure

The Joey Journals

The Joey Journals

When Rachael Met Roy

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