Southwest Airlines Community

- All-New Rapid Rewards Launched March 1st - Southwest Offers Ten Million Point Giveaway Sweepstakes - Southwest Teams up with Internet Sensation Dude Perfect to Score Points for the All-New Rapid Rewards Program DALLAS, March 15, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) recently launched the carrier's new frequent flyer program, All-New Rapid Rewards, and to celebrate, Southwest is giving away ten million Rapid Rewards Points to Members (and those who sign up) through an online sweepstakes. In the Ten Million Point Giveaway, 100 lucky Members will each win 100,000 Rapid Rewards Points. The sweepstakes will run from March 15 through March 31, 2011. For complete promotion details and to register to win, visit: www.southwest.com/bigshot. If you're not already a Rapid Rewards Member, you can sign up for the program to become eligible to win. To read a blog post from Southwest's Senior Director of Customer Loyalty and Partnerships Ryan Green, visit: www.blogsouthwest.com. Southwest teamed up with the internet sensation basketball trick-shot artists, Dude Perfect, to score points for the All-New Rapid Rewards program. Customers who register for the promotion will be entertained by Dude Perfect, which has filmed a variety of basketball trick shots to show off their skills using a Southwest Boeing 737, in a Southwest Maintenance Hangar, and around Southwest's corporate headquarters. Southwest and Dude Perfect will showcase the trick shots in a series of videos that will be unveiled throughout the promotion on www.southwest.com/bigshot, culminating in one fantastic Big Shot, which will be unveiled, along with the winners, on Monday, April 4, 2011. "With the recent launch of the All-New Rapid Rewards program and the NCAA basketball tournament just around the corner, we teamed up with Dude Perfect to give away ten million points to our Members and entertain fans at the same time," said Southwest's Senior Director of Customer Loyalty and Partnerships Ryan Green. "Our new program has several winning attributes, including unlimited reward seats, no blackout dates, and no point expiration with any earning activity within 24 months." Southwest announced the details of the new program in January 2011 to give Members advance notice of the coming changes, and the new program officially launched on March 1, 2011. Members' accounts were automatically transferred to the new program on March 1, 2011; therefore, Members will retain their current Rapid Rewards number, and they don't need to re-enroll. Members with existing credits and Awards from the old program will retain their active credits and Awards, which will maintain their value until they are used or expire. To learn more about the All-New Rapid Rewards, visit: www.southwest.com. NEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:   No blackout dates Unlimited Reward Seats (no seat restrictions or capacity controls) Points don't expire as long as Members earn by flying or using a partner once every 24 months Points are based on the purchased fare and fare product Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers can redeem their points for flights to more than 800 international destinations, stays at more than 70,000 hotels worldwide, and gift cards at more than 45 major retailers About Southwest Airlines 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 71 cities in 36 states with service to Newark Liberty International beginning 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 Airlines 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. About Dude Perfect Dude Perfect is a group of six insanely competitive trick-shot basketball entertainers from Texas and they like to Go Big! Check out www.dudeperfect.com to see their greatest shots including: "The World's Longest Basketball Shot," and a host of other amazing videos which have made them bona-fide internet superstars and seen them collect such accolades as MSN's #1 Most Viral Video of 2009 as well as being listed by Advertising Age as one of YouTube's Top 10 Brands. Dude Perfect has been featured on a variety of National and International media outlets including: Jimmy Kimmel, CBS Early Show & Evening News, ESPY's Red Carpet, Good Morning America, Regis and Kelly, ESPN's E:60, SportsNation, Fox and Friends & many more. www.southwest.com ***NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 50 UNITED STATES (D.C.) 18 YEARS AND OLDER. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. Sweepstakes ends 3/31/11. For Official Rules, prize descriptions and odds disclosure, visit http://www.southwest.com/bigshot. Sponsor: Southwest Airlines, 2702 Love Field Drive, Dallas, Texas 75235. SOURCE Southwest Airlines   ... View more

Carrier Now Operates Seven Daily Nonstop Flights to Five Destinations from Greenville-Spartanburg and Seven Daily Nonstops to Four Destinations from Charleston DALLAS, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today celebrates the airline's new service in the Palmetto State by bringing its big planes and little fares to Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) and Charleston (CHS). Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, joins Greenville-Spartanburg Executive Airport Director David N. Edwards, Jr. and Airport Chairwoman Minor Shaw in this morning's news conference at the airport's airside garden to officially launch the airline's new service to Greenville-Spartanburg. Later in the afternoon, Kelly also will join Charleston Aviation Authority Chairman Chip Limehouse, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Chairman Robert Pierce, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman Sean Bennett, and Charleston Convention and Visitor's Bureau Chairman Roger Warren in a news conference in the airport's atrium to officially launch the airline's new service to Charleston. "Our future is looking very bright, and a big reason for that is our new service in Greenville-Spartanburg and Charleston," Kelly said. "We've had our eye on South Carolina for quite some time, and we're proud to bring our special brand of low fares, our Bags Fly Free policy, and our high quality Customer Service to the Upstate and the Lowcountry." Southwest Airlines now serves the Upstate from Greenville-Spartanburg with seven daily nonstop departures--two daily nonstop departures to/from Baltimore/Washington and Chicago Midway and one daily nonstop to/from Nashville, Houston, and Orlando. Southwest Airlines operates from Gates A3 and A4 in Greenville-Spartanburg's main terminal. Southwest Airlines now serves the Lowcountry from Charleston with seven daily nonstop departures--three daily nonstop departures to/from Baltimore/Washington, two daily nonstops to Chicago Midway, one daily nonstop to/from Nashville, and one daily nonstop to/from Houston. Southwest Airlines operates from Gate B5 in Charleston's main terminal. In addition to the seven daily nonstop flights from each market, Southwest Airlines offers direct or connecting service to more than 60 destinations including Las Vegas, Denver, Dallas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles, just to name a few. To download the flight schedule and view all of Southwest's destinations from Greenville-Spartanburg and Charleston, visit http://www.southwest.com/flight/request-schedule.html. In addition to this morning's news conference, dozens of Southwest Employees along with the Upstate community celebrated the new service to Greenville-Spartanburg throughout the weekend. Four community teams from Greer, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson as well Southwest Employees competed head-to-head in a plane pull competition to see who could pull a Boeing 737 in the fastest time. All cities represented received a pair of roundtrip tickets for their local Chamber of Commerce. The celebration continued in the gate area with games, giveaways, and massages as Customers waited to board their Southwest flights. To show its deep roots in the Upstate community, more than 30 Employees volunteered to plant trees in local parks in Greenville and Spartanburg. Employees also participated in a memorial tree planting at the airport entrance in honor of the late Mr. Roger Milliken who was the airport's only chairman from its inception in 1959 until his recent passing. "Tell the people of Upstate South Carolina that a mountain is too high, a river too deep, or that an airline is out of reach, and we'll take the challenge," said David N. Edwards, Jr., A. A. E., Executive Airport Director for Greenville-Spartanburg. "Many said it would not happen. Others said it could not happen, but we are a can-do community. We take aim at a target, work hard to reach it, and now, Southwest Airlines has arrived here at GSP International Airport with lower fares, bigger jets, and more destinations." Prior to today's news conference at Charleston, Southwest Employees were the talk of the town as they participated in activities throughout the weekend! On Saturday, March 12, Southwest Employees were greeted by dozens of cheering fans when the first Southwest plane arrived at the airport. The Employees had a pep rally in the airport to get pumped up for the first day of service. On Sunday, to celebrate the first flights, the airline offered breakfast, coffee, and giveaways for its Customers. To Share the Spirit in the community, Southwest Employees volunteered at the Medical University of South Carolina Children's Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Charleston. Employees served lunch to families, donated Pillowcases for Smiles, painted and decorated a playroom, and donated toys to the hospital. Southwest Airlines is proud to serve the Lowcountry community. "We're excited to welcome Southwest Airlines to the Lowcountry," said Susan M. Stevens, A A. E., Director of Airports for the Charleston County Aviation Authority. "Southwest will provide additional opportunities for the traveling public, and we look forward to their success." 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. Beginning March 27, 2011, Southwest will initiate service 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 3,400 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Plan Outlines How the Two Operations Will Combine, Following Financial Close DALLAS, Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) informed Southwest Airlines that it has accepted the carrier's transition plan to combine the operations of Dallas-based Southwest Airlines and Orlando-based AirTran Airways, following the financial close of its transaction to acquire AirTran. On Sept. 27, 2010, Southwest (NYSE: LUV) announced an agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), the parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran), for a combination of cash and Southwest Airlines' common stock. Closing is subject to the approval of AirTran shareholders, receipt of certain regulatory clearances, and fulfillment of customary closing conditions. "It's been a great team effort by a lot of people to reach this initial milestone, but we still have a lot of work to do to ultimately bring our two carriers together. We appreciate the collaborative approach of all parties, including the FAA Joint Transition Team (JTT)," said Brian Hirshman, Southwest's Vice President Maintenance and Engineering, and Executive Sponsor of the carrier's Single Operating Certificate (SOC) team. "We consider this acceptance by the FAA as the first major milestone on the journey towards SOC. There are too many people to recognize individually, but we are hopeful the team's hard work will allow us to achieve our SOC goal in the first quarter 2012." Southwest and AirTran currently have separate operating certificates. The transition plan accepted by the FAA outlines the methodology, processes, tools, and timing to be employed to maintain the safety of their day-to-day operations during the transition period and to ultimately achieve a Single Operating Certificate. The SOC is issued by the FAA once all of the steps outlined in the transition plan have been completed. The carriers' processes, and procedures may not be fully integrated when the SOC is issued, however; they will operate under a single FAA certificate at that time. Relevant to its submitted plan, Southwest clarified that after the transaction close, which is currently anticipated to occur during the second quarter of 2011, all certificated and flight-related AirTran Employees (Pilots, Dispatchers, Flight Attendants, Mechanics, Schedulers, etc.) will maintain their AirTran employment status at least until the SOC is issued by the FAA for the combined carriers. The logistics of how and when this group of certificated employees will then be transitioned to Southwest employment status has yet to be determined. 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 69 cities in 35 states. Beginning March 13, 2011, Southwest will initiate 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. Important Information for Investors and Stockholders This communication does 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 has filed, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has declared effective, a registration statement on Form S-4 thatincludes 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 FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEYCONTAIN 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, as such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov/. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Southwest are available free of charge on Southwest's website at http://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 are available free of charge on AirTran's website at http://www.airtran.com/ under the tab "Investor Relations" or by contacting AirTran's Investor Relations Department at (407) 318-5188. 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, is contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materialsfiled with the SEC. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains "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 of1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding Southwest's plans and expectations with respect to its transition plan to combine the operations of Southwest and AirTran Airways following the close of Southwest's anticipated acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc. ("AirTran"). These forward-looking statements are based on Southwest's current intent, beliefs, expectations, and projections and are not guarantees of future actions or performance by Southwest. 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 acquisition of AirTran 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; and (ii) the impact of fuel prices, economic conditions, and other factors on Southwest's business plans and strategies. 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 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. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines   ... View more

Thu, Feb 24, 2011 DALLAS, Feb. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced today that it has reached an agreement with its Pilots, represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), on an initial Transition Agreement that establishes a procedural framework for eventually integrating the Pilots of Orlando-based AirTran Airways into Southwest.The integration addressed by the agreement would follow the official legal closing of Southwest's acquisition of AirTran's parent company, AirTran Holdings, Inc., which is currently anticipated to occur during the second quarter of 2011. Closing is subject to the approval of AirTran stockholders, receipt of certain regulatory clearances, and fulfillment of customary closing conditions. With this initial transition agreement, Southwest and SWAPA establish a framework to begin an orderly transition from operating Southwest and AirTran as separate carriers, to a single carrier under one Single Operating Certificate (SOC). This transition agreement is an integral first step in that process. "This transition agreement, which was unanimously agreed to by our SWAPA Board of Directors, is an important step in the AirTran acquisition and integration process," said Chuck Magill, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Flight Operations. "Our hard-working Pilots are now poised to begin the important and challenging work of integrating their AirTran colleagues into 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 69 cities in 35 states. Beginning March 13, 2011, Southwest will initiate 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. www.southwest.com Important Information for Investors and Stockholders This communication does 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 has filed, and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has declared effective, a registration statement on Form S-4 thatincludes 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 FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEYCONTAIN 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, as such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov/. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Southwest are available free of charge on Southwest's website at http://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 are available free of charge on AirTran's website at http://www.airtran.com/ under the tab "Investor Relations" or by contacting AirTran's Investor Relations Department at (407) 318-5188. 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, is contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materialsfiled with the SEC. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains "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 of1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements with respect to Southwest's expectations related to (i) its anticipated acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc.; and (ii) its agreement with its Pilots, represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), on an initial Transition Agreement that establishes a procedural framework for eventually integrating the Pilots of AirTran Airways into Southwest. 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 acquisition of AirTran 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; and (ii) Southwest's ability to successfully integrate AirTran's business. 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 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. SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

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Enhanced Hotel Page on Southwest.com Provides Reviews, Multiple Room Booking Capability, and Neighborhood Searches DALLAS, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Does booking a hotel cause more hassle than it should? Southwest Airlines has introduced new updates and features on the Hotel booking page of southwest.com to enhance and simplify the hotel booking experience for Customers. New features allow Customers to make informed decisions and find the perfect hotel fit. From TripAdvisor traveler ratings and reviews, to multi-room booking capability and neighborhood searches, the Hotel page provides everything Customers need to find the perfect hotel! Now, directly on southwest.com/hotels, Customers will see the TripAdvisor traveler rating in the most recent traveler reviews for each hotel, allowing customers to make more informed decisions based on fellow travelers’ feedback. Research shows that hotel reviews are used by 77 percent of travelers when making a hotel booking decision(1). The addition of TripAdvisor reviews will allow Customers to easily compare and contrast hotels to make the right selection for travel. TripAdvisor hotel ratings and reviews will be available on nearly all of the hotel properties that are available to book on southwest.com. The updated Hotel page will also allow multi-room booking— a Customer may book two rooms at one time. This is a feature that is ideal for families who need an additional room. Southwest Airlines wants to provide an amazing Hotel page to make booking rooms an easy process online. Customers using the Hotel page also will be able to narrow down hotel searches to specific neighborhoods. The search tool provides users preference of neighborhoods rather than large city searches. With all of these new tools, Southwest Customers have everything they need right at their fingertips to book hotel rooms. From distinguishing Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program partners, to adding map functionality and hotel reviews, Southwest would like to ensure that Customers are not only getting great deals when booking hotels on southwest.com, but also have all the tools necessary to make the right decision. ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV)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 69 cities in 35 states. Beginning March 13, 2011, Southwest will initiate 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™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com (1) Research from Jupiter, Feb. 2009 SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing the carrier’s Stock Clerks, announced today that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through August 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on August 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. “Hard work and persistence have definitely paid off during this mediation process,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The negotiation teams worked together to address several work rule changes in reaching this mutually beneficial, forward thinking tentative agreement, which delivers wage and benefit enhancements in exchange for work rule improvements and contract flexibility.” In the upcoming weeks, the IBT membership will be given the full details of the agreement and have the opportunity to vote on ratification. IBT represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines Employees. 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 serves Milwaukee with 12 daily departures and is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Beginning March 13, 2011, Southwest will initiate 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™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,200 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Employees Celebrate Lunar Year 4709 with Custom Parade Float DALLAS, Feb. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year! Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is once again the title sponsor of the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade in this Year of the Hare. To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, Southwest Airlines is staging one of its most lavish Parade floats, featuring all things Lunar New Year including dozens of intricately carved New Year figurines, countless popping firecrackers, pinwheels, fans, a myriad of lucky symbols and blossoms, lions, and dragons. "Southwest Airlines is devoted to serving the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. From celebrating cultural events to partnering with local community organizations, we honor AAPI Heritage with pride," said Laura Lopez, Southwest Airlines Assistant Manager of Marketing and Brand Engagement. "We are excited to present a splendid float where our Employees will share in the celebration of the year of the Hare!" Named one of the top ten parades by the International Festivals and Events Association, the Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco is one of the few remaining illuminated parades in the country. Started in the 1860's by the Chinese in San Francisco as a means to educate the community about their culture, the Parade and Festival has grown to be the largest celebration of Asian culture outside Asia. To see the schedule of events, please visit www.chineseparade.com. "Our Chinese New Year Parade is possible thanks to the contributions of sponsors like Southwest Airlines. Southwest walks the walk when it comes to the communities they serve. Their commitment to our organization has enabled us to grow every year into the largest Asian celebration in the nation," said Kenny Tse, President of the San Francisco Chinese Chamber of Commerce. 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 69 cities in 35 states. Beginning March 13, 2011, Southwest will initiate 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. www.southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

DALLAS, Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced today that more than 60 nonprofit hospitals and charities from across the nation will be participants in its Medical Transportation Grant Program this year. Children's Hospital of Wisconsin near Milwaukee is one of those recipients.     Southwest has nearly doubled the grant program's 2011 budget with hopes of assisting more than 5,500 patients and family members with their medical-related travel needs.Through the Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program, the airline provides complimentary, roundtrip tickets to hospitals and medical transportation nonprofit organizations. The tickets are distributed by the organizations to deserving patients and their caregivers who must travel for medical care.   Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, located near Milwaukee, is one of the leading centers for pediatric health care in the United States. The hospital provides inpatient care, including transport of critically ill or injured children and intensive care services, and more than 70 specialty outpatient clinics that care for the full range of pediatric health care needs.   "Through its generous donation, Southwest Airlines is making it possible for dozens of families to receive world-class care at one of the nation's top-ranked pediatric hospitals," said Maggie Butterfield, director of Patient Amenities and Family Services at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.   "The feedback we receive from families who benefit from the Medical Transportation Grant Program reaffirms for us that we are meeting a great need during what can be a difficult time in these families' lives," said Debra Benton, Southwest Airlines Director of Community Relations and Charitable Giving. "Southwest is proud to be able to provide this program to even more nonprofit hospitals and charities as support for families affected by serious illness."   Only 501(c) 3 qualified hospitals and organizations are eligible for the program. To see a full list of recipients, please visit: www.southwest.com/cares. To learn qualifications for travel assistance through the designated organizations, please contact the Social Work, Travel/Concierge Service, or Patient Assistance Department directly at each location, which each have unique guidelines for administration of tickets.   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 serves Milwaukee with 12 daily departures and is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, now serving 69 cities in 35 states. Beginning March 13, 2011, Southwest will initiate 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 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide.   SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

We’re always looking for creative ways to celebrate our Anniversaries, and in the early years, those celebrations featured our Flight Attendants. Actually, back then, they were called “Hostesses.” The two pictures I have this month represent a difference of nine years. The black and white photo below was taken at the first birthday party in June 1972. Southwest had managed to survive a whole year, and while the future was still very shaky, it was time to party. Our Hostesses put on a song and dance number, wearing their trademark hot pants and go-go boots. Nine years later on our tenth birthday in June 1981, Southwest was a very different Company, and the birthday photo below reflects that. Featured in the photo are 11 of the original Flight Attendants hired in June 1971 who were still with us ten years later.  No hot pants in this photo, but we still see the hearts and “Love” theme that even today sustain us.  While the attire of these original Employees reflects a new corporate maturity, there were also a lot of other changes. During the 70s, Southwest expanded as far as we could in Texas to ten cities from El Paso to Houston and Amarillo to Harlingen. Thanks to the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978, Southwest was no longer bound by the borders of our home state. First, we expanded to New Orleans in early 1979, and then in 1980, we opened Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and Albuquerque, on consecutive days in April.  A few months after this photo, we would expand further west to San Diego, Las Vegas, and Phoenix on January 1, 1982, then to Los Angeles on September 18, 1982. We also added Kansas City that same year.  In roughly the ten years since the first photo, we flew to almost as many cities outside of Texas (nine) as in (ten).  I guess that every picture does tell a story, and I love looking at these early historical photos from two perspectives. One is the literal story they tell of our history, and the other perspective is what the photos represent about our growth and how we changed as a Company and how we changed air travel. These two photos with many of the same People are truly a tale of two Companies. ... View more

DALLAS, Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) has been invited to speak at the Raymond James Global Airline Conference. Raymond James will be webcasting the audio presentation live, and a link to the webcast will be made available via the Investor Relations homepage on the Southwest Airlines website. Details of the audio webcast are as follows: Date: Thursday, February 3, 2011 Time: 10:10 a.m. Eastern Time Speaker: Laura Wright, Senior Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer Web Address: www.southwest.com/investor_relations Contact: Investor Relations (214) 792-4415 To access the live audio webcast on the Investor Relations homepage, go to www.southwest.com and click on “Investor Relations” under the “About Southwest” menu at the bottom of the page. Upon completion of the live audio webcast, a replay of the Southwest Airlines presentation will be available on the Events Calendar in the Investor Relations section of www.southwest.com. Minimum Requirements to listen to broadcast: Windows Media Player software, downloadable free from http://www.microsoft.com, and at least a 56K bps connection to the Internet. If you experience problems listening to the webcast, click on “Online Help” in the webcast browser. SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. ... View more

Thu, Jan 27, 2011 DALLAS, Jan. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines' (NYSE: LUV) Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on March 3, 2011 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 138th consecutive dividend will be paid on March 24, 2011. SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

DALLAS, Jan. 20, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today reported its fourth quarter and full year 2010 results. Net income for fourth quarter 2010 was $131 million, or $.18 per diluted share, compared to $116 million, or $.16 per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2009. Both periods' results included special items primarily related to non-cash, mark-to-market, and other items associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedge portfolio. In addition, fourth quarter 2010 results included approximately $3 million in charges (net of profitsharing and taxes) primarily related to consulting and legal fees in connection with the proposed acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc.* Excluding special items for both periods, fourth quarter 2010 net income was $115 million, or $.15 per diluted share, compared to $74 million, or $.10 per diluted share, for fourth quarter 2009. This was in line with Thomson's First Call mean estimate of $.15 per diluted share for fourth quarter 2010. Additional information regarding special items is included in this release and in the accompanying reconciliation tables.   For the full year 2010, net income was $459 million, or $.61 per diluted share, compared to $99 million, or $.13 per diluted share, for full year 2009. In addition to full year 2010 results including charges related to the proposed acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc.*, and both years' results including special items primarily related to fuel hedging, full year 2009 results included a $35 million charge (net of profitsharing and taxes) relating to the Company's 2009 voluntary early-out program. Excluding these special items for both years, full year 2010 net income was $550 million, or $.74 per diluted share, compared to $143 million, or $.19 per diluted share, for full year 2009. Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer, stated: "I commend our People for their perseverance, persistence, and resolve. Because of them, we emerged from the worst decade in aviation history without losses, without furloughs, and without degradation of our Customer experience. And, 2010 marked our 38th consecutive year of profitability, a tremendous feat unmatched in the aviation industry. "Our fourth quarter 2010 net income, excluding special items, improved 55 percent from fourth quarter 2009. We produced record fourth quarter operating revenues of $3.1 billion, which also was an all-time quarterly record on an available seat mile basis at 12.56 cents. December passenger unit revenues increased approximately five percent year-over-year. Thus far in January, booking and revenue trends suggest similar year-over-year improvement in January versus December 2010. Bookings in place for the remainder of the first quarter also are strong." Fourth quarter 2010 unit costs, excluding special items, increased 7.6 percent from fourth quarter 2009, largely due to the 12.7 percent increase in economic fuel costs per gallon to $2.48. Fourth quarter 2010 economic fuel costs included $14 million, or $0.04 per gallon, in unfavorable cash settlements for fuel derivative contracts. Based on the Company's first quarter 2011 fuel hedge position and market prices (as of January 18th), first quarter 2011 economic fuel costs, including fuel taxes, are estimated to be approximately $2.80 per gallon. Additional information regarding the Company's fuel derivative contracts is included inthe accompanying tables. Excluding fuel and special items in both periods, fourth quarter 2010 unit costs increased 5.8 percent from fourth quarter 2009, as expected. Based on current cost trends and capacity plans, the Company expects its first quarter 2011 nonfuel unit costs to increase at a lower year-over-year rate than experienced in fourth quarter 2010. Kelly stated, "Given the slow economic recovery and volatile fuel environment in 2010, we continued our disciplined strategy of strengthening our network through optimization. This allowed us to bring Southwest's legendary low fare service to Panama City Beach, Florida in 2010, and grow key markets like Denver, Boston, and St. Louis, with virtually no seat mile growth for the year. Absent the acquisition of AirTran*, we currently have no plans to grow our fleet significantly until we reach our profit target and achieve a 15 percent pretax return on invested capital." The Company recently revised its Boeing delivery schedule, resulting in three additional aircraft to be delivered in 2011. The Company now has 19 Boeing 737-700 aircraft scheduled for firm delivery in 2011, and 20 Boeing 737-800s scheduled for firm delivery in 2012. In 2011*, available seat miles are estimated to increase in the five to six percent range from 2010, unchanged from previous forecasts. The revised 737 Delivery Schedule is included inthe accompanying tables. "As we begin our fifth decade of operations, we have bold aspirations to be the best in every way possible," continued Kelly. "We are confident in our ability to deliver, based on existing competitive strengths including: low cost, low fare Leadership; outstanding Customer Service; excellent operations; America's largest mainline route network; and a strong financial position. These strengths have earned us record-setting revenue production; industry-leading Customer Service rankings; the world's largest all-Boeing fleet; and the most domestic Customers of any airline (based on originating passengers boarded). "We have significant revenue initiatives underway to close the gap between our current profit performance versus our target. First and foremost, we are committed to our proposed acquisition of AirTran*, which is expected to yield significant net annual synergies of more than $400 million by 2013. "We were thrilled to recently announce the March 1, 2011 launch of our All-New Rapid Rewards program, many years in the making. We believe the new frequent flyer program offers substantial improvements for our Members, and has the potential to contribute hundreds of millions in incremental net revenues over the next several years. "Introducing the larger Boeing 737-800 into our fleet in 2012 brings many more exciting destinations into the realm of possibilities for the Southwest network. On long-haul, high-demand routes, the economics favor the -800 versus the -700, producing lower unit costs. It also offers better scheduling flexibility in high-demand, slot-controlled, or gate-restricted markets. "Finally, we have begun the multi-year process of replacing our reservation system to pave the way for international destinations, along with other Customer Service and revenue enhancements. "In addition to these four significant initiatives, we continue efforts to implement enhancements to Revenue Management, rollout inflight internet connectivity, and implement Required Navigation Performance (RNP). Also, we are very excited to launch service to Greenville-Spartanburg and Charleston, South Carolina, and Newark, New Jersey in March 2011. "We have a lot of work in front of us. But, without a doubt, we have proven our ability to successfully manage change. Our Employees deserve all the credit. Truly, they are our greatest strength." 2010 Southwest Airlines recognitions and honors include:   Named the top U.S. Airline on the University of Michigan's American Customer Satisfaction Index (ASCI) Recognized as the twelfth most admired Company in the world by FORTUNE magazine; the only U.S. airline to make this list of the World's Top 50 Most Admired Companies Ranked seventh among the top ten companies in MSN Money's 2010 Customer Service Hall of Fame Honored by Executive Travel Magazine and their 2010 Leading Edge Awards as the best North American Low Cost Carrier for its outstanding Customer Service Named Best Low-Cost Carrier in North America by Business Traveler Magazine Recognized as the Best Domestic Value, Best Luggage Policy, Best Check-in Experience, Top Website, and Best Consumer On-Time Estimates in the 2010 Airline Survey conducted by Zagat Named Favorite Domestic Airline and recognized as having the friendliest domestic flight crews in the 2010 Reader's Choice Awards by SmarterTravel.com Ranked second in the Glassdoor.com Employee Choice Awards for Best Places to Work; the only airline to make the list Ranked in the top 150 in Newsweek's 2010 Green Rankings of the largest publicly traded companies in the U.S. Named to the annual ranking of the Top 50 Most Socially Responsible Companies in the U.S. by the Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship and The Reputation Institute; the only airline to make the list Received The Williams Trophy from the Washington Airports Task Force for its commitment to training Pilots and retrofitting aircraft for Required Navigational Performance, the cornerstone of the Next Generation Air Traffic Control system Received a near-perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation's ninth annual Corporate Equality Index Survey, which grades U.S. employers on categories such as nondiscrimination policies, training, Employee benefits, Employee support through diversity councils, and marketing Selected by G.I. Jobs magazine as one of the nation's Top Military Friendly Employers Awarded the Quest for Quality Award by Logistics Management magazine, the 14th consecutive year for Southwest Airlines Cargo to receive the recognition; also received top honors in critical categories, such as Customer Service, Ontime Performance, Value, Information Technology, and Equipment and Operations Southwest Cargo was named Airline of the Year by Express Delivery and Logistics Association for the sixth consecutive year Nuts About Southwest was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the PRNews Platinum PR Awards, recognizing Southwest's initiatives that have set high benchmarks for originality and execution   Southwest will discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2010 results on a conference call at 12:30 p.m. Eastern Time today. A live broadcast of the conference call will be available at southwest.com. Operating Results Total operating revenues for fourth quarter 2010 increased 14.8 percent to $3.1 billion, compared to fourth quarter 2009, while fourth quarter 2010 total operating expenses increased 13.9 percent to $2.9 billion.Operating income for fourth quarter 2010 was $216 million, compared to operating income of $167 million in fourth quarter 2009.Excluding special items, operating income increased 32.8 percent to $263 million in fourth quarter 2010, compared to $198 million in fourth quarter 2009. Operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010, increased 16.9 percent to $12.1 billion compared to full year 2009, while full year 2010 operating expenses increased 10.2 percent to $11.1 billion. Operating income for 2010 was $988 million, compared to $262 million in 2009.Excluding special items, operating income for 2010 was $1.2 billion, compared to $540 million in 2009.The Company's return on invested capital (before taxes and excluding special items) was approximately 10 percent for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010, compared to approximately five percent for the same period in 2009.Additional information regarding pretax return on invested capital is included in the accompanying reconciliation tables. Other expenses were $243 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to $98 million for the same period in 2009.This $145 million increase in other expenses primarily resulted from a $160 million unfavorable swing in other (gains) losses, net.Other losses of $106 million were recognized in 2010, compared to $54 million in other gains in 2009, primarily resulting from unrealized gains/losses associated with fuel derivative contracts.Premium costs associated with the Company's fuel derivative contracts of $134 million in 2010 and $148 million in 2009 were also included in other (gains) losses, net. Net interest expense decreased $15 million primarily due to lower market interest rates. Net cash provided by operations for 2010 was $1.6 billion, substantially driven by the $459 million in net income, and $628 million in non-cash depreciation and amortization expense. Capital expenditures for 2010 were $493 million.The Company repaid $155 million in debt during 2010, and is scheduled to repay approximately $500 million in current maturities of long-term debt in 2011.As of January 18th, the Company had approximately $3.8 billion in cash and short-term investments. In addition, the Company has a fully available, unsecured, revolving credit facility of $600 million. * The closing of the Company's proposed acquisition of AirTran is still subject to the approval of AirTran stockholders, receipt of Department of Justice and certain other regulatory clearances, and fulfillment of customary closing conditions. Estimated fuel consumption and estimated available seat miles for 2011 and beyond excludes any potential impact of the acquisition. The Company currently expects to close the transaction in the second quarter of 2011. Important Information for Investors and Stockholders Communications in this press release 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 has filed a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") thatincludes 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 FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEYCONTAIN 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, as such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov/. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Southwest are available free of charge on Southwest's website at http://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 are available free of charge on AirTran's website at http://www.airtran.com/ under the tab "Investor Relations" or by contacting AirTran's Investor Relations Department at (407) 318-5188. 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, is contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materialsfiled with the SEC. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company's financial targets and outlook; (ii) its plans and expectations related to managing risk associated with changing jet fuel prices; (iii) its growth strategies and expectations, including fleet, network, and capacity plans and expectations; (iv) its strategic initiatives and the expected impact of the initiatives on its results of operations and its customer experience, offerings, and benefits; and (v) its expectations related to its proposed acquisition of AirTran. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company's current intent, 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) changes in the price of aircraft fuel, the impact of hedge accounting, and any changes to the Company's fuel hedging strategies and positions; (ii) the impact of the economy on demand for air travel and fluctuations in consumer demand generally for the Company's services; (iii) the impact of fuel prices and economic conditions on the Company's overall business plan and strategies; (iv) actions of competitors, including without limitation pricing, scheduling, and capacity decisions, and consolidation and alliance activities; (v) the Company's ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives; (vi) the Company's dependence on third parties to assist with implementation of certain of its initiatives; (vii) the impact of governmental regulations on the Company's operations; (viii) the possibility that the Company's proposed acquisition of AirTran 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; (ix) the Company's ability to successfully integrate AirTran's business and realize the expected synergies from the transaction; and (x) other factors, as described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed (i) under the heading "Risk Factors" in both the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009 and the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 19, 2010; and (ii) under the heading "Forward-looking statements" in the Company's Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2010, June 30, 2010, and September 30, 2010. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (in millions, except per share amounts) (unaudited) Three Months Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, Percent Percent 2010 2009 Change 2010 2009 Change OPERATING REVENUES: Passenger $ 2,945 $ 2,584 14.0 $ 11,489 $ 9,892 16.1 Freight 32 31 3.2 125 118 5.9 Other 137 97 41.2 490 340 44.1 Total operating revenues 3,114 2,712 14.8 12,104 10,350 16.9 OPERATING EXPENSES: Salaries, wages, and benefits 955 861 10.9 3,704 3,468 6.8 Fuel and oil 940 794 18.4 3,620 3,044 18.9 Maintenance materials and repairs 195 162 20.4 751 719 4.5 Aircraft rentals 45 46 (2.2) 180 186 (3.2) Landing fees and other rentals 201 182 10.4 807 718 12.4 Depreciation and amortization 160 154 3.9 628 616 1.9 Other operating expenses 402 346 16.2 1,426 1,337 6.7 Total operating expenses 2,898 2,545 13.9 11,116 10,088 10.2 OPERATING INCOME 216 167 29.3 988 262 n.a. OTHER EXPENSES (INCOME): Interest expense 41 46 (10.9) 167 186 (10.2) Capitalized interest (4) (5) (20.0) (18) (21) (14.3) Interest income (3) (3) - (12) (13) (7.7) Other (gains) losses, net (31) (56) (44.6) 106 (54) n.a. Total other expenses (income) 3 (18) (116.7) 243 98 148.0 INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES 213 185 15.1 745 164 n.a. PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 82 69 18.8 286 65 n.a. NET INCOME $ 131 $ 116 12.9 $ 459 $ 99 n.a. NET INCOME PER SHARE: Basic $ .18 $ .16 $ .62 $ .13 Diluted $ .18 $ .16 $ .61 $ .13 WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING: Basic 747 742 746 741 Diluted 750 742 747 741 SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. RECONCILIATION OF REPORTED AMOUNTS TO NON-GAAP ITEMS (SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES) (in millions, except per share amounts) (unaudited) Three Months Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, Percent Percent 2010 2009 Change 2010 2009 Change Fuel and oil expense - unhedged $ 886 $ 721 $ 3,296 $ 2,577 Add/(Deduct): Fuel hedge losses included in fuel and oil expense 54 73 324 467 Fuel and oil expense - as reported $ 940 $ 794 $ 3,620 $ 3,044 Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (1) (40) (31) (172) (222) Fuel and oil expense - economic $ 900 $ 763 18.0 $ 3,448 $ 2,822 22.2 Total operating expenses, as reported $ 2,898 $ 2,545 $ 11,116 $ 10,088 Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (1) (40) (31) (172) (222) Total operating expenses, economic $ 2,858 $ 2,514 $ 10,944 $ 9,866 Add: Charge for AirTran integration costs, net (2) (7) - (7) - Add: Charge from voluntary early out program, net (2) - - - (56) Total operating expenses, non-GAAP $ 2,851 $ 2,514 13.4 $ 10,937 $ 9,810 11.5 Operating income, as reported $ 216 $ 167 $ 988 $ 262 Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (1) 40 31 172 222 Operating income - economic $ 256 $ 198 $ 1,160 $ 484 Add: Charge for AirTran integration costs, net (2) 7 - 7 - Add: Charge from voluntary early out program, net (2) - - - 56 Operating income, non-GAAP $ 263 $ 198 32.8 $ 1,167 $ 540 116.1 Other (gains) losses, net, as reported $ (31) $ (56) $ 106 $ (54) Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (1) 71 96 33 208 Other losses, net, non-GAAP $ 40 $ 40 - $ 139 $ 154 (9.7) Income before income taxes, as reported $ 213 $ 185 $ 745 $ 164 Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (1) (31) (65) 139 14 $ 182 $ 120 $ 884 $ 178 Add: Charge for AirTran integration costs, net (2) 7 - 7 - Add: Charge from voluntary early out program, net (2) - - - 56 Income before income taxes, non-GAAP $ 189 $ 120 57.5 $ 891 $ 234 n.a. Net income, as reported $ 131 $ 116 $ 459 $ 99 Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (1) (31) (65) 139 14 Income tax impact of fuel contracts 12 23 (52) (5) $ 112 $ 74 $ 546 $ 108 Add: Charge for AirTran integration costs, net (3) 3 - 4 - Add: Charge from voluntary early out program, net (3) - - - 35 Net income, non-GAAP $ 115 $ 74 55.4 $ 550 $ 143 n.a. Net income per share, diluted, as reported $ .18 $ .16 $ .61 $ .13 Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts (.03) (.06) .12 .02 $ .15 $ .10 $ .73 $ .15 Add: Impact of special items, net (3) - - .01 .04 Net income per share, diluted, non-GAAP $ .15 $ .10 50.0 $ .74 $ .19 n.a. (1) See Reconciliation of Impact from Fuel Contracts (2) Amounts net of profitsharing impact (3) Amounts net of profitsharing impact and taxes SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. RECONCILIATION OF IMPACT FROM FUEL CONTRACTS (SEE NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES) (in millions) (unaudited) Three Months Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2010 2009 2010 2009 Fuel & Oil Expense Add/(Deduct): Reclassification between Fuel & Oil and Other (gains) losses, net, associated with current period settled contracts $ (14) $ (3) $ (1) $ (38) Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in the current period, but for which gains and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior period* (26) (27) (171) (181) Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in the current period, but for which the underlying hedged fuel has not yet been consumed - - - - Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in a prior period, but for which the underlying hedged fuel has been consumed in the current period - (1) - (3) Impact from fuel contracts to Fuel & Oil Expense $ (40) $ (31) $ (172) $ (222) Operating Income Add/(Deduct): Reclassification between Fuel & Oil and Other (gains) losses, net, associated with current period settled contracts $ 14 $ 3 $ 1 $ 38 Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in the current period, but for which gains and/or (losses) have been recognized in a prior period* 26 27 171 181 Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in the current period, but for which the underlying hedged fuel has not yet been consumed - - - - Add/(Deduct): Contracts settling in a prior period, but for which the underlying hedged fuel has been consumed in the current period - 1 - 3 Impact from fuel contracts to Operating Income $ 40 $ 31 $ 172 $ 222 Other (gains) losses Add/(Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts settling in future periods $ 24 $ 56 $ 21 $ 73 Add/(Deduct): Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges settling in future periods 33 37 11 97 Add/(Deduct): Reclassification between Fuel & Oil and Other (gains) losses, net, associated with current period settled contracts 14 3 1 38 Impact from fuel contracts to Other (gains) losses $ 71 $ 96 $ 33 $ 208 Net Income Add/(Deduct): Mark-to-market impact from fuel contracts settling in future periods $ (24) $ (56) $ (21) $ (73) Add/(Deduct): Ineffectiveness from fuel hedges settling in future periods (33) (37) (11) (97) Add/(Deduct): Other net impact of fuel contracts settling in the current or a prior period (excluding reclassifications) 26 28 171 184 Impact from fuel contracts to Net income ** $ (31) $ (65) $ 139 $ 14 * As a result of prior hedge ineffectiveness and/or contracts marked to market through earnings ** Excludes income tax impact of unrealized items SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. FUEL DERIVATIVE CONTRACTS AS OF JANUARY 18, 2011 Percent of estimated fuel consumption* covered by fuel derivative contracts Average Crude Oil Full Year Price per barrel 1Q 2011 2011 Up to $90 68% 64% $90 to $95 33% 52% $95 to $105 15% 29% Above $105 39% 51% Estimated difference in economic jet fuel price per gallon, compared to unhedged market prices, including taxes Average Crude Oil Full Year Price per barrel 1Q 2011 2011 $70 $0.21 $0.21 $90 $0.04 $0.04 $92** $0.02 $0.00 $100 $0.03 $0.00 $125 ($0.05) ($0.16) Percent of estimated fuel consumption* covered by fuel derivative contracts at Beyond 2011 varying crude-equivalent price levels 2012 60% 2013 50% 2014 45% *Estimated fuel consumption for 2011 and beyond excludes any potential impact of the Company's proposed acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc. **Based on the current forward curve as of January 18, 2011, and settlement of existing fuel derivative contracts at expiration, first quarter 2011 fuel price per gallon, including taxes, is estimated to settle 2 cents above market prices, and full year 2011 is estimated to be in line with market prices. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. RETURN ON INVESTED CAPITAL (in millions) (unaudited) Year Ended December 31, 2010 Operating Income, as reported $ 988 Add/(Deduct): Net impact from fuel contracts 172 Add: AirTran acquisition costs, net (1) 7 Operating Income, Non-GAAP $ 1,167 Net adjustment for aircraft leases (2) 84 Adjustment for fuel hedge accounting (134) Adjusted Operating Income, Non-GAAP $ 1,117 Average Invested Capital (3) $ 10,431 Equity adjustment for fuel hedge accounting 434 Adjusted Average Invested Capital $ 10,865 . ROIC, pretax 10% (1) Amounts shown net of profitsharing impact (2) Net adjustment related to presumption that all aircraft in fleet are owned. (3) Average invested capital represents a five quarter average of debt, net present value of aircraft leases, and equity NOTE REGARDING USE OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES The Company's Financial Statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (GAAP). These GAAP financial statements include unrealized non-cash adjustments and reclassifications, which can be significant, as a result of accounting requirements and elections made under accounting pronouncements relating to derivative instruments and hedging. The Company also provides financial information included that was not prepared in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered as an alternative to the information prepared in accordance with GAAP. The Company provides supplemental non-GAAP financial information that it sometimes refers to as "economic", which the Company's management utilizes to evaluate its ongoing financial performance and the Company believes provides greater transparency to investors as supplemental information to its GAAP results. The Company's economic financial results differ from GAAP results in that they only include the actual cash settlements from fuel hedge contracts--all reflected within Fuel and oil expense in the period of settlement. Thus, Fuel and oil expense on an economic basis reflects the Company's actual net cash outlays for Fuel during the applicable period, inclusive of settled fuel derivative contracts. Any net premium costs paid related to option contracts are reflected as a component of Other (gains) losses, net, for both GAAP and non-GAAP purposes in the period of contract settlement. These economic results provide a better measure of the impact of the Company's fuel hedges on its operating performance and liquidity since they exclude the unrealized, non-cash adjustments and reclassifications that are recorded in GAAP results in accordance with accounting guidance relating to derivative instruments and hedging, and they reflect all cash settlements related to fuel derivative contracts within Fuel and oil expense. This enables the Company's management, as well as investors, to consistently assess its operating performance on a year-over-year or quarter-over-quarter basis after considering all programs in place to curtail fuel expense. However, because these measures are not determined in accordance with GAAP, such measures are susceptible to varying calculations and not all companies calculate the measures in the same manner. As a result, the aforementioned measures, as presented, may not be directly comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Special items also included a charge of $7 million (before the impact of profitsharing or taxes) during 2010, related to expenses associated with the Company's planned merger with AirTran. Management does not believe these expenses are a meaningful indicator of the Company's results for those particular periods or in comparison to its performance in the corresponding prior or subsequent period. Further information on (i) the Company's fuel hedging program, (ii) the requirements and accounting associated with accounting for derivative instruments, and (iii) the causes of hedge ineffectiveness and/or mark-to-market gains or losses from derivative instruments is included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as well as subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. COMPARATIVE CONSOLIDATED OPERATING STATISTICS (unaudited) Three Months Ended Year ended December 31, December 31, 2010 2009 Change 2010 2009 Change Revenue passengers carried 22,451,968 21,498,778 4.4 % 88,191,322 86,310,229 2.2 % Enplaned passengers 29,224,501 25,386,440 15.1 % 114,213,010 101,338,228 12.7 % Revenue passenger miles (RPMs) (000s) 20,005,943 18,175,024 10.1 % 78,046,967 74,456,710 4.8 % Available seat miles (ASMs) (000s) 24,788,095 23,505,932 5.5 % 98,437,092 98,001,550 0.4 % Load factor 80.7% 77.3% 3.4 pts. 79.3% 76.0% 3.3 pts. Average length of passenger haul (miles) 891 845 5.4 % 885 863 2.5 % Average aircraft stage length (miles) 653 632 3.3 % 648 639 1.4 % Trips flown 278,137 272,740 2.0 % 1,114,451 1,125,111 (0.9)% Average passenger fare $131.17 $120.21 9.1 % $130.27 $114.61 13.7 % Passenger revenue yield per RPM (cents) 14.72 14.22 3.5 % 14.72 13.29 10.8 % RASM (cents) 12.56 11.54 8.8 % 12.30 10.56 16.5 % PRASM (cents) 11.88 10.99 8.1 % 11.67 10.09 15.7 % CASM (cents) 11.69 10.83 7.9 % 11.29 10.29 9.7 % CASM, excluding fuel (cents) 7.90 7.45 6.0 % 7.61 7.19 5.8 % CASM, excluding special items (cents) 11.51 10.70 7.6 % 11.11 10.01 11.0 % CASM, excluding fuel and special items (cents) 7.88 7.45 5.8 % 7.61 7.13 6.7 % Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (unhedged) $2.44 $2.08 17.3 % $2.29 $1.80 27.2 % Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax $2.59 $2.29 13.1 % $2.51 $2.12 18.4 % Fuel costs per gallon, including fuel tax (economic) $2.48 $2.20 12.7 % $2.39 $1.97 21.3 % Fuel consumed, in gallons (millions) 361 345 4.6 % 1,437 1,428 0.6 % Active fulltime equivalent Employees 34,901 34,726 0.5 % 34,901 34,726 0.5 % Aircraft in service at period-end 548 537 2.0 % 548 537 2.0 % RASM (unit revenue) - Operating revenue yield per ASM PRASM (Passenger unit revenue) - Passenger revenue yield per ASM CASM (unit costs) - Operating expenses per ASM SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (in millions) (unaudited) December 31, December 31, 2010 2009 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,261 $ 1,114 Short-term investments 2,277 1,479 Accounts and other receivables 195 169 Inventories of parts and supplies, at cost 243 221 Deferred income taxes 214 291 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 89 84 Total current assets 4,279 3,358 Property and equipment, at cost: Flight equipment 13,991 13,719 Ground property and equipment 2,122 1,922 Deposits on flight equipment purchase contracts 230 247 16,343 15,888 Less allowance for depreciation and amortization 5,765 5,254 10,578 10,634 Other assets 606 277 $ 15,463 $ 14,269 LIABILITIES & STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 739 $ 732 Accrued liabilities 863 729 Air traffic liability 1,198 1,044 Current maturities of long-term debt 505 190 Total current liabilities 3,305 2,695 Long-term debt less current maturities 2,875 3,325 Deferred income taxes 2,493 2,200 Deferred gains from sale and leaseback of aircraft 88 102 Other noncurrent liabilities 465 493 Stockholders' equity: Common stock 808 808 Capital in excess of par value 1,183 1,216 Retained earnings 5,399 4,971 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (262) (578) Treasury stock, at cost (891) (963) Total stockholders' equity 6,237 5,454 $ 15,463 $ 14,269 SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (in millions) (unaudited) Three Months Ended Year Ended December 31, December 31, 2010 2009 2010 2009 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income $ 131 $ 116 $ 459 $ 99 Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 160 154 628 616 Unrealized (gain) loss on fuel derivative instruments (31) (65) 139 14 Deferred income taxes 38 69 133 72 Amortization of deferred gains on sale and leaseback of aircraft (3) (1) (14) (12) Changes in certain assets and liabilities: Accounts and other receivables 39 56 (26) 40 Other current assets (2) (20) (8) (27) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 3 101 193 59 Air traffic liability (226) (170) 153 81 Cash collateral received from (provided to) fuel derivative counterparties 115 95 265 (90) Other, net 45 157 (361) 133 Net cash provided by operating activities 269 492 1,561 985 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Purchases of property and equipment, net (94) (115) (493) (585) Purchases of short-term investments (1,293) (1,308) (5,624) (6,106) Proceeds from sales of short-term investments 1,367 1,165 4,852 5,120 Other, net - - - 2 Net cash used in investing activities (20) (258) (1,265) (1,569) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Proceeds from sale and leaseback transactions - - - 381 Issuance of long-term debt - - - 455 Proceeds from Employee stock plans 10 9 55 20 Proceeds from credit line borrowing - - - 83 Payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations (31) (22) (155) (86) Payments of revolving credit facility - - - (400) Payment of credit line borrowing - (7) (44) (97) Payments of cash dividends - - (13) (13) Other, net 2 (2) 8 (13) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (19) (22) (149) 330 NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS 230 212 147 (254) CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD 1,031 902 1,114 1,368 CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD $ 1,261 $ 1,114 $ 1,261 $ 1,114 SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. REVISED 737 DELIVERY SCHEDULE AS OF JANUARY 19, 2011 The Boeing Company Purchase Previously -700 Firm -800 Firm Options Rights Owned -700 Total 2011 17 2 19 2012 20 20 2013 19 6 25 2014 21 6 27 2015 14 1 15 2016 17 7 24 2017 17 17 Through 2021 98 98 Total 88 * 20 37 98 2 245 * The Company is evaluating substituting 737-800s in lieu of 737-700 firm orders currently scheduled for 2013 through 2016. SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

In his weekly blog post, Scott McCartney at the Wall Street Journal's "The Middle Seat Terminal" blog writes about the recent Department of Transportation rankings.  Click here to read. ... View more

Southwest Airlines' Pilots Begin Flying Required Navigation Performance Efficient Procedures at 11 Airports Tue, Jan 11, 2011 - DALLAS - Now ready for departure--Southwest Airlines' Pilots begin Required Navigation Performance (RNP) efficient flight procedures today at 11 airports nationwide. This major milestone to reduce environmental impact with a more efficient operation and to assist the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on NextGen initiatives is the culmination of a four-year project with partners Boeing, GE, and Honeywell. RNP is satellite-based navigation that brings together the accuracy of GPS (Global Positioning System), the capabilities of advanced aircraft avionics, and new flight procedures. "RNP sets the stage for Southwest to continue doing its part to conserve fuel, improve safety, and reduce carbon emissions and Greenhouse gases, while simultaneously taking advantage of the high-performance characteristics that exist in an airline's fleet," said Captain Jeff Martin, Southwest's Vice President of the Operations Coordination Center. "The efficiencies RNP introduces help Southwest be a good neighbor while also maintaining our low fares." The Company's Pilots and Dispatchers now follow these new efficient flight procedures and enhanced avionics to fly specifically designed satellite-based navigation approaches to many Southwest airports. The primary airports with efficient RNP procedures include Amarillo*, Birmingham, Boise, Corpus Christi*, Los Angeles, Chicago Midway, Oakland, Oklahoma City, West Palm Beach, Raleigh-Durham, and San Jose. With RNP/NextGen procedures designed at 11 Southwest airports, the Company's projected savings is $16 million a year, with an anticipated savings of more than $60 million per year once all Southwest airports have efficient RNP procedures. "RNP is a significant step in the future for the NextGen Air Traffic Control system," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "This milestone culminates substantial efforts by our Company working with the FAA to position Southwest as a leading participant in a modernized air traffic control system." In addition to modifying 345 Boeing 737-700s with new flight display software and ensuring that all new aircraft are RNP ready, this cross-company effort involving Technology, Maintenance & Engineering, and the Operations Coordination Center also featured intense training efforts to support achieving this milestone. "I am very proud of our Flight Operations Team for the design, training, and implementation of NextGen procedures, including training more than 5,900 Pilots to fly Primary Flight Display Navigation Display (PFD/ND) procedures," said Captain Chuck Magill, Vice President of Flight Operations. "This extensive training allows us to capture RNP procedures as well as provide flexibility in any new aircraft platform we might use in the future." After nearly 40 years of service, Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) 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 69 cities in 35 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 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. *Amarillo and Corpus Christi will begin RNP approaches on January 14, 2011. southwest.com SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more

Southwest Airlines Reports December Traffic DALLAS, Jan. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that the Company flew 6.6 billion revenue passenger miles (RPMs) in December 2010, an 11.3 percent increase from the 6.0 billion RPMs flown in December 2009. Available seat miles (ASMs) increased 5.6 percent to 8.3 billion from the December 2009 level of 7.8 billion. The load factor for the month was 80.4 percent, compared to 76.2 percent for the same period last year. For December 2010, passenger revenue per ASM is estimated to have increased approximately five percent as compared to December 2009.   For the fourth quarter 2010, Southwest flew 20.0 billion RPMs, compared to 18.2 billion RPMs flown for the same period in 2009, an increase of 10.1 percent. Available seat miles increased 5.5 percent to 24.8 billion from the fourth quarter 2009 level of 23.5 billion. The fourth quarter 2010 load factor was 80.7 percent, compared to 77.3 percent for the same period last year. For the year ended December 31, 2010, Southwest flew 78.0 billion RPMs, compared to 74.5 billion RPMs flown for the same period in 2009, an increase of 4.8 percent. Available seat miles increased 0.4 percent to 98.4 billion from the 2009 level of 98.0 billion. The year-to-date load factor was 79.3 percent, compared to 76.0 percent for the same period last year. This release, as well as past news releases on Southwest, are available online at southwest.com. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. PRELIMINARY COMPARATIVE TRAFFIC STATISTICS DECEMBER 2010 2009 CHANGE Revenue passengers carried 7,299,247 7,037,220 3.7 % Enplaned passengers 8,946,340 8,354,947 7.1 % Revenue passenger miles (000s) 6,647,976 5,970,657 11.3 % Available seat miles (000s) 8,270,486 7,832,747 5.6 % Load factor 80.4% 76.2% 4.2 pts. Average length of haul 911 848 7.4 % Trips flown 92,495 90,784 1.9 % FOURTH QUARTER 2010 2009 CHANGE Revenue passengers carried 22,461,821 21,498,778 4.5 % Enplaned passengers 27,163,960 25,386,440 7.0 % Revenue passenger miles (000s) 20,005,943 18,175,023 10.1 % Available seat miles (000s) 24,788,095 23,505,932 5.5 % Load factor 80.7% 77.3% 3.4 pts. Average length of haul 891 845 5.4 % Trips flown 278,137 272,740 2.0 % TOTAL YEAR 2010 2009 CHANGE Revenue passengers carried 88,201,175 86,310,229 2.2 % Enplaned passengers 106,227,521 101,338,228 4.8 % Revenue passenger miles (000s) 78,046,967 74,456,710 4.8 % Available seat miles (000s) 98,437,092 98,001,550 0.4 % Load factor 79.3% 76.0% 3.3 pts. Average length of haul 885 863 2.5% Trips flown 1,114,451 1,125,111 (0.9)% SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co. ... View more

Gary Kelly selected as DBJ’s CEO of the Year Dallas Business Journal Executive of the Year Dallas Business Journal - by Candace Carlisle , Staff Writer Date: Friday, January 7, 2011, 5:00am CST When Gary Kelly first walked through the doors at Southwest Airlines Co. and down the long corridor of the now-demolished east terminal of Dallas Love Field Airport that housed the airline’s operations, he wasn’t impressed. The terminal was perpetually being remodeled and plastic-sheet walls were the norm. “I had to fight my way through the plastic; it made me wonder what kind of operation they were running,” Kelly said, chuckling. He didn’t wonder long. When the vice president of finance offered him a controller position with the airline, he jumped at the opportunity. More than 23 years later, Kelly, 55, ... Read more: Gary Kelly selected as DBJ’s CEO of the Year | Dallas Business Journal http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/print-edition/2011/01/07/gary-kelly-selected-as-dbjs-ceo-of.html#ixzz1AMBjwiTw ... View more

In part one of our previous Flashback to Oakland in the late 1970s, we primarily looked at the scheduled airlines and cargo charters.  In this final installment, we take a look at some large first generation jets serving the Oakland Airport (OAK).  There was a 20-year period from the end of World War II to the introduction of the 727 and DC-9, when the words “four-engine equipment” were a selling point to airline passengers.  That meant you would be flying on the newest, most comfortable aircraft around instead of an unpressurized DC-3.  In 1978 and 1979, DC-10s, L-1011s, 727s and 737s were taking over the airways with the 757, 767, and A-300 soon to arrive.  Yet at OAK, the early four-engine jets like the 707, Convair 880 and 990, and the DC-8 were still common.     Even in late 1978, this Delta DC-8-51 was an aviation veteran.  Along with United, Delta introduced the DC-8 to the world.  The aircraft above, N806E, was delivered in 1959 and it was the last of the five original Delta DC-8-11s with straight turbojet engines.  It was converted to a DC-8-51 with fan jets in 1963.  The DC-8 was always a favorite of mine to ride because of the large windows.  The DC-8-51s retained curtains instead of window shades and the window seats all shared one padded arm rest that ran the length of the cabin.  The Flight Attendant call button rang an actual bell, instead of an electronic chime.  We had one DC-8 flight a day, when I worked in OAK for Delta.  It would arrive about 4:00 p.m. from Dallas/Fort Worth and San Francisco, just across the bay.  We would clean it, and it would depart around 8:00 p.m. in the evening for Las Vegas and Dallas/Fort Worth.     Yes, the airplane above carries the Delta livery, and it did belong to Delta at one time.  It is a DC-8-33, N8166A, and it belongs to charter operator Michigan Peninsula Airway or MPA.  The -33 was the first international version of the DC-8, and this example flew with Pan American before being sold to Delta.  Pan Am had purchased DC-8-33s because they had a greater range than the early 707s from Boeing.  Unlike the DC-8-51 at the top, this aircraft retains its noisy, smoky turbojets.  This aircraft is on one of the auto parts charter flight that we mentioned last week.  It would go on to serve other charter carriers before being scrapped in Angola in 1988.     Captiol Airways was a Memphis-based charter operator that utilized DC-8s on regular charters to Hawaii from OAK.  The aircraft above, N911CL, is a DC-8-61 or as they were popularly called, a “stretch eight.”  This aircraft had flown with National before they merged with Pan Am.     Trans International (TIA) was one of two locally based charter airlines in OAK, the other being World.  TIA operated charters to Europe utilizing the DC-6-63 and newly delivered DC-10-30s.  The DC-8-63 had different engines than the DC-8-61 and it possessed a longer range.   This aircraft, N872TV, spent most of its life flying with charter airlines.  It was delivered to Flying Tigers, and went on to serve with FedEx and UPS.  The building under the tail is still standing, but cargo buildings are located near where the airplane is parked.     One of the rarest airplanes to serve OAK was the Convair 990 above.  Less than 40 were delivered to airlines, and while the airplane was one of the fastest airliners ever built, it was very expensive to operate.  This aircraft, N8259C belongs to the Denver-based travel club Ports of Call.  Members owned the aircraft kind of like a time share, and their cost to go on one of the club’s flights was relatively inexpensive.  Besides Ports of Call, other travel clubs with airliners were based in Detroit, and Indianapolis (where ATA—American Trans Air later became a scheduled operator).  This airplane began life with Varig in Brazil; then went to Modern Air Transport; before it joined Ports of Call’s fleet.  OAK was a popular charter destination because of its proximity to San Francisco.     Finally, this photo reflects the changing nature of the OAK Airport due to deregulation that was passed in 1978.  One of the first steps on that path was the Civil Aeronautics Board assigning unused route authorities to new carriers.  Overnight, Braniff went from zero to 21 flights a day in OAK.  Braniff went to the used aircraft market and among the items they acquired were some of the Delta DC-8-51s.  This is N820E, which had flown into OAK wearing the Delta livery a few months earlier.  Now, in the photo above taken March 9, 1979, it is operating nonstop service for Braniff from OAK to Fort Lauderdale.    I still have a fond spot in my heart for OAK, and whenever I fly in there, it is a bit like coming home. ... View more

Southwest Airlines and Flight Simulator Technicians Ratify Contract Extension DALLAS, Dec. 16, 2010 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ — Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is pleased to announce that its Flight Simulator Technicians, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, voted to ratify an extension to their current agreement. The agreement is for a two-year contract extension through October 2013. The current contract would have become amendable on November 1, 2011. “I want to congratulate both sides for ratification of a contract that delivers mutually beneficial enhancements to pay, benefits, and work rules to our dedicated Flight Simulator Technicians,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “The negotiating teams were able to balance our competitive needs with our Technicians’ requests to quickly come to an agreement as we head toward our 40th year of operation.” 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 69 cities in 35 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™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,100 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees systemwide. southwest.com  SOURCE Southwest Airlines ... View more