Southwest Airlines Community

The following blog post was written by Sr Mgr Cargo Customer Experience Brewa Kennedy    It is certainly true that, as our current advertising efforts express, Every Seat Has a Story™. But did you know that our Southwest Warriors also make a difference every day with our Relentlessly Reliable Service with Southwest Cargo?    Dendreon Pharmaceuticals LLC, recently visited our Los Angeles (LAX) Cargo Facility to better understand how Southwest Cargo handles the transport of PROVENGE, the first and only FDA-approved immunotherapy for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. PROVENGE is made from a patient’s own immune cells and is designed to stimulate one’s immune system against cancer. From beginning to end, Dendreon has just three days to collect, manufacture, and reinfuse PROVENGE back into the patient.   With the help of Southwest Cargo, these cells are transported under very strict temperature and time constraints to one of Dendreon’s manufacturing plants where they will be formulated into PROVENGE. Dendreon Pharmeceuticals' LAX hub handles a large volume of this life-extending treatment for Dendreon due to its proximity to the manufacturing facility in Seal Beach, CA and ships to airline hubs across the country, reaching patients nationwide. The loss or misplacement of a PROVENGE package is devastating to the patient and his family since it delays treatment.    “We would like to thank the dedicated Employees of Southwest Airlines for their support and recognition of our sensitive packages, and acknowledging the importance of adhering to the planned route for this life-extending treatment,” said Jim Caggiano, President and CEO, Dendreon. “The support of our airline partners is essential to ensuring we deliver PROVENGE to the men who need it.”     ... View more

Today, we are thrilled to welcome Louisiana One as the 12th state-themed aircraft* in Southwest Airlines’ specialty fleet! On the heels of New Orleans’ tri-centennial celebration, Southwest is thanking our Employees and loyal Customers for 39 years of dedicated service with a state-dedicated Boeing 737-700 emblazoned with an artist’s rendition of the Louisiana State flag.     Our New Orleans-based Employees go above and beyond to support the New Orleans community and take great pride in the important role they play in providing outstanding Hospitality. As the first state our carrier served beyond the Texas border, we are so grateful to be able to honor our Employees and Customers with this high-flying tribute. We began service to The Pelican State on January 25, 1979, with one nonstop departure to Houston-Hobby. Today, we are proud to be operating more than 70 daily nonstop departures to 29 destinations from New Orleans.   Louisiana One arrived at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) this morning for a Southwest celebration with local Employees, Community Members, Local and State Officials, Partners, and Media Representatives in true Louisiana fashion. The festivities began with live music from a New Orleans favorite, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Upon the unveiling, guests were led out by the Kinfolk Brass Band to christen the newest specialty aircraft. To conclude today’s celebration, we will let the good times fly by heading to downtown New Orleans with our Employees and Community Partners for a Southwest Parade on a float replicative of Louisiana One. As the parade makes its way through town, Southwest will share our love for this community by giving away more than a million Rapid Rewards® Points!     As Louisiana One joins Southwest’s network, we hope you will take the opportunity to share your photos and videos by using #LouisianaOne!   * Southwest’s specialty fleet: Arizona One, California One, Colorado One, Florida One, Illinois One, Lone Star One (Texas), Maryland One, Missouri One, Nevada One, New Mexico One, Tennessee One, and Louisiana One.     ... View more

“My grandfather taught me how to earn respect, establish goals, and build relationships.”                                                                                     —DeAnte Green, Ramp Agent Supervisor   When DeAnte Green joined Southwest from AirTran Airways four years ago, he fervently adopted the Company’s Culture. A beloved Leader, DeAnte says he learned how to treat people from his grandfather. Whether it’s bringing in doughnuts or ensuring his Employees have the resources they need, DeAnte lives the Southwest Way. In fact, his favorite part of being an Atlanta-based Ramp Agent Supervisor is when storms roll in and his Team comes together to solve problems. On and off the clock, DeAnte feels called to serve and recently donated to his hometown of Flint, Michigan, to support the city during its water crisis. DeAnte exemplifies Southwest’s rally cry: One Team, All Heart.   The Reel Deal “I love fishing. My grandparents taught me when I was three, and it’s been passed on through the family for generations.”   Florida Fun “Ft. Lauderdale is my favorite city to visit. It has a great vibe and a little bit of everything—beaches, dancing, casinos.”   Slam Dunk “Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. There is no one like him and never will be.”       Photo by: Harold Daniels ... View more