Coordinates: 32°50′48″N 96°51′40″W / 32.846666666667°N 96.861°W / 32.846666666667; -96.861 (Southwest Airlines Headquarters)
Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV), operating as Southwest Airlines, is the largest low-cost carrier in the U.S. headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The airline was established in 1967[2] adopting its current name in 1971,[3] and as of June 5, 2011 (2011 -06-05)[update] is the largest airline in the United States based upon domestic passengers carried.[4]
Although it operated Boeing 727 aircraft for a short time during the 1970s and 1980s, between that time and 2012 the airline operated only Boeing 737 aircraft, and as of September 30, 2011 (2011 -09-30)[update] was the largest operator of the 737 worldwide with over 550 of these aircraft in service, each operating an average of six flights per day.[5]
In May 2011 the airline acquired Orlando-based AirTran Airways, with full integration of the carriers taking place over several years,[6] and on March 1, 2012, the company was issued a single operating certificate meaning that from a technical standpoint, Southwest and AirTran became one airline.[7] As a result, following the merger, Southwest also began operating the Boeing 717.
Southwest has 37,000 employees as of December 2011[update] and operates more than 3,300 flights a day.[5] As of January 2012, Southwest Airlines operates scheduled service to 97 destinations in 42 states.
Southwest Airlines traces its roots to the March 16, 1967 incorporation of Air Southwest Co. by Rollin King and Herb Kelleher to provide service within the state of Texas.[2][3]
Kelleher believed that by providing intrastate service within Texas, the airline could avoid federal regulation.[8] Three incumbent airlines, Braniff, Trans-Texas, and Continental Airlines, initiated legal action which was not resolved for three years. Air Southwest prevailed in 1970 when the Texas Supreme Court upheld Air Southwest’s right to fly within Texas.[9] The Texas Supreme Court's decision became final on December 7, 1970, when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review the case without comment.[10]
The story of Southwest’s legal fight was turned into a children’s book, Gumwrappers and Goggles by Winifred Barnum in 1983. In the story, TJ Love, a small jet, is taken to court by two larger jets to keep him from their hangar and to stop him from flying. In court, TJ Love’s right to fly is upheld after an impassioned plea from a character referred to as "The Lawyer". While no company names are mentioned in the book, TJ Love’s colors were those of Southwest Airlines, and the two other jets are colored in Braniff and Continental’s colors. The Lawyer is designed to resemble Herb Kelleher. The book was adapted into a stage musical, Show Your Spirit, sponsored by Southwest Airlines, and played only in city towns serviced by the airline.[11]
On March 29, 1971, Air Southwest Co. changed its name to Southwest Airlines Co.[3] Operating from its Dallas, Texas, headquarters, Southwest Airlines began customer service on June 18, 1971, offering service to the Texas cities of Houston, Dallas and San Antonio using three Boeing 737 aircraft.[5]
Southwest Airlines founder Herb Kelleher studied California-based Pacific Southwest Airlines extensively, and used many of the airline’s ideas to form the corporate culture at Southwest. Early flights used the same "Long Legs And Short Nights" theme for stewardesses on board typical Southwest Airlines flights. A committee of individuals, including the same person who had selected hostesses for Hugh Hefner's Playboy jet, selected the original flight attendants for Southwest Airlines. The selection resulted in a group of female flight attendants who were described as long-legged dancers, majorettes, and cheerleaders with "unique personalities". Southwest Airlines and Herb Kelleher proceeded to dress these individuals in hot pants and go-go boots.[12]
The rest of 1971 and 1972 saw operating losses. One of the four aircraft was sold to Frontier Airlines and the proceeds used to make payroll and cover other expenses. Southwest continued to operate a schedule predicated on four aircraft but using only three, and in so doing the "ten minute turn" was born, and was the standard ground time for many years.[13][14]
The Wright Amendment of 1979 is a federal law governing traffic at Dallas Love Field, an airport in Dallas, Texas. It originally limited most nonstop flights to destinations within Texas and neighboring states. The limits began phasing out in 1997 and 2005. In 2006, the amendment was repealed leaving some restrictions intact until 2014 but with an added restriction on the number of gates allowed.[15]
When airline deregulation came in 1978, Southwest began planning to offer interstate service from Love Field. This caused a number of interest groups affiliated with Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport, including the city of Fort Worth, to push the Wright Amendment through Congress to restrict such flights.[16] Under the restrictions of the amendment, Southwest, and all other airlines, were barred from operating, or even ticketing passengers on flights from Love Field to destinations beyond the states immediately surrounding Texas. The Wright Amendment’s restrictions did not apply to aircraft configured with 56 or fewer seats. Southwest did not use the 56 seat loophole.[17]
In 1990 the airline registered its aircraft in Houston so it could pay aircraft taxes in Houston, even though the actual corporate headquarters were in Dallas. Southwest was not physically relocating any assets, but Texas state law allowed the airline to choose either Dallas or Houston as the city of registry of its aircraft.[18]
In 1997, Southwest’s efforts began to pay off with the Shelby Amendment, which added the states of Alabama, Mississippi and Kansas to the list of permissible destination states. Southwest began offering non-stop service between Dallas Love Field and Birmingham, Alabama, which it could not do prior to the enactment of the Shelby Amendment.[19]
Southwest hired its first black pilot, Louis Freeman, in 1980. In 1992, he was named the first black chief pilot of any major U.S. airline.[20]
Southwest's Houston Pilot Base opened on June 1, 1984. Houston was their first crew base outside of Dallas.[citation needed]
A 737–300 (N648SW) pictured in Southwest's original desert gold livery.
On November 30, 1984, Southwest took delivery of its first Boeing 737-300. It was the launch customer and as of May 2012 is the largest operator of the aircraft type.[21] The first 737-300 was dubbed "Kitty Hawk."[citation needed]
Southwest paid US$60.5 million in stock and cash for Muse Air when Muse was on the verge of collapse in 1985. After completing the acquisition, Southwest renamed MuseAir TranStar Airlines. TranStar became a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest and operated as an independent airline. Unwilling to compete in a fare war against Frank Lorenzo's Texas Air, Southwest eventually sold TransStar's assets to Lorenzo in August 1987.[22][23]
Southwest moved into its current headquarters in 1990. Previously the airline was headquartered in the 1820 Regal Row building in Dallas, by Love Field.[24] At that time the headquarters had 256,000 square feet (23,800 m2) of space and approximately 650 employees.[25] The current headquarters facility was built at a cost of $15 million in 1990 dollars.[26] In early 1995 the building received an additional 60,000 square feet (5,600 m2) of space. As of 2006[update] about 1,400 employees worked in the three story building.[25]
Southwest acquired Morris Air, a competing airline based in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1992, paying US$134 million in stock.[27] After completing the purchase, Southwest absorbed the capital and routes of Morris Air into Southwest's inventory and service, including Morris' Pacific Northwest destinations not previously served by Southwest.[28] One founder of Morris Air, David Neeleman, worked with Southwest for a short period before leaving to found JetBlue Airways, a competing airline.[29]
On March 16, 1995, Southwest became one of the first airlines to have a website. Originally called the "Southwest Airlines Home Gate", passengers could view schedules, a route map, and company information at Iflyswa.com.[30] Southwest.com is the number one airline website for online revenue, according to PhoCusWright. Nielsen/Netratings also reports that Southwest.com is the largest airline site in terms of unique visitors.[5] In 2006, 70 percent of flight bookings and 73 percent of revenue was generated from bookings on southwest.com. As of June 2007[update], 69 percent of Southwest passengers checked in for their flights online or at a kiosk.[5]
Southwest Airlines gained a reputation for "outside the box thinking" and proactive risk management, including the use of fuel hedging to insulate against fuel price fluctuation. Some analysts have argued against the style of profit-motivated energy trading Southwest did between 1999 and the early 2000s. They suggested that rather than hedging business risk (such as a hedge on weather to a farmer), Southwest was simply speculating on energy prices, without a formal rationale for doing so.[31]
At present, Southwest has enjoyed much positive press (and a strong financial boost) from its energy trading skills.[32][33][34] However, while most analysts agree that volatility hedges can be beneficial,[35] speculative hedges are not widely supported as a continuing strategy for profits.[36]
In March 1996,[37] the airline announced that it would begin to build a 300,000 square feet (28,000 m2) addition to the existing corporate headquarters at a cost of $30 million in 1996 dollars.[38] This occurred after, on Wednesday March 13, 1996, the Dallas City Council unanimously voted to allow for the construction.[39] The airline leased two additional tracts of land, a total of 10 acres (4.0 ha) of space, from the City of Dallas to build a new pilot training facility, a headquarters expansion, and additional parking spaces. A $9.8 million new pilot training facility was built on a 5 acres (2.0 ha) plot of land owned by the city of Dallas; it was scheduled to be completed Spring 1997. With the new pilot training facility built, the old one would be removed and the company would expand its headquarters building to the north. 120,000 square feet (11,000 m2) of building space, which had a price of $16 million including fixtures, was built, making the headquarters have a total of 436,000 square feet (40,500 m2). The airline also leased 4.8 acres (1.9 ha) from the city of Dallas to build additional parking; 700 spaces were added to the existing 1,200. After the facilities announced in 1996 were added, Southwest had a total leasehold of about 24 acres (9.7 ha) of land, including its headquarters, training facilities, and parking. By the end of 1997 the expansion of the facilities at Love Field and several terminal improvements were expected to cost Southwest $47 million.[25]
A Southwest Airlines
Boeing 737–700 shown in the company's current
Canyon Blue livery, introduced in 2001.
In late 2004, Southwest began actively seeking the full repeal of the Wright Amendment restrictions. In late 2005, Missouri was added to the list of permissible destination states via a transportation appropriations bill. New service from Love Field to St. Louis and Kansas City quickly started in December 2005.[40]
At a June 15, 2006 joint press conference held by the city of Dallas, the city of Ft. Worth, Dallas-Ft. Worth Airport, American Airlines, and Southwest Airlines, the said parties announced a tentative agreement on how the Wright Amendment was to be phased out. Both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives passed Wright-related legislation on September 29, 2006, and it was signed into law by President George W. Bush on October 13, 2006. The new law became effective on October 16, 2006, when the FAA Administrator notified Congress that any new aviation operations occurring as a result of the new law could be accommodated without adverse effect to the airspace.[41]
Southwest started selling tickets under the new law on October 19, 2006. Highlights of the agreement are the immediate elimination of through-ticketing prohibitions, and unrestricted flights to domestic destinations eight years after the legislation takes effect. Because of the agreement, nationwide service became possible for Southwest; the law also defined the maximum number of gates at Love Field. Southwest controls all of the Love Field gates except for four gates controlled by Delta Air Lines and United.
Southwest remains the dominant passenger airline at Love Field, maintains its headquarters, hangars, training centers, and flight simulators adjacent thereto, and reflects its ties to Love Field in its ticker symbol (LUV).
In 2008, Southwest contracted with Pratt and Whitney to supply the proprietary Ecopower water pressure-washing system, which allows Southwest to clean grime and contaminants off engine turbine blades while the aircraft is parked at the gate. Frequent use of the Ecopower system is estimated to improve fuel efficiency by about 1.9%.[42][43]
On March 6, 2008, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors submitted documents to the United States Congress, alleging that Southwest allowed 117 of its aircraft to fly carrying passengers despite the fact that the planes were "not airworthy" according to air safety investigators.[44] In some cases the planes were allowed to fly for up to 30 months after the inspection deadlines had passed, rendering them unfit to fly. Records indicate that thousands of passengers were flown on aircraft deemed unsafe by federal standards. Southwest declined comment at the time, and US Representative James Oberstar advised a hearing would be held.[44][45]
Southwest paid US$7.5 million to acquire certain assets from bankrupt ATA Airlines in 2008. Southwest's primary reason for making the purchase was to acquire the operating certificate and New York LaGuardia Airport landing slots formerly controlled by ATA. While some preferential hiring was indicated at the time of the purchase, the transaction ultimately did not include the purchase of any aircraft, facilities or transfers of employees directly from ATA.[46]
On March 12, 2008, Southwest Airlines voluntarily grounded 44 planes to check if they needed further inspection. The FAA claimed that Southwest Airlines flew almost 60,000 flights without fuselage inspection. Southwest Airlines faced a $10.2 million fine if they violated FAA regulations. There have also been rumors that the FAA knew about Southwest Airlines violations but decided not to fine the airline because it would disrupt the service of Southwest.[47]
On March 2, 2009, Southwest settled these claims, agreeing to pay the FAA fines of $7.5 million for these safety and maintenance issues. The original fine of $10.2 million – a sum which would have been the largest fine in the agency’s history – was lowered after a year of negotiations. The FAA gave Southwest two years in which to pay the fine.[48]
On July 30, 2009, Southwest Airlines announced a $113.6 million bid for bankrupt Frontier Airlines Holdings, the parent company of Frontier Airlines. Southwest planned to initially operate Frontier as a stand-alone carrier, eventually absorbing the airline and replacing Frontier's aircraft with Boeing 737s.[49] Less than one month after submitting its bid, Southwest learned on August 14 that it had lost the initial bidding to Republic Airways Holdings, and elected not to counter or pursue the deal further. Industry experts had expected Southwest to win the initial round of bidding, allowing Southwest to grow its presence in Denver and serve international destinations. Southwest stated that its requirement for pilots' unions at both companies to reach a negotiated (not arbitrated) agreement as a condition of acquisition was a key factor in its abandonment of its bid. Frontiers Airlines quickly recovered from its recent bankruptcy.[50]
On August 26, 2009 the FAA investigated Southwest for installing improper parts on about 10% of its jets. The work was performed by an outside maintenance company. The FAA stated that the parts do not present a safety danger, but the airline was given until December 24, 2009 to replace the parts with those approved by the FAA.[51] The FAA is still determining whether it will fine Southwest or its vendor.[52]
Southwest Airlines first announced the acquisition on September 27, 2010 and received final approval from the United States Department of Justice on April 27, 2011. On May 2, 2011 Southwest Airlines completed the acquisition of AirTran Airways by purchasing all of the outstanding common stock, corporate identity and operating assets of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (former stock ticker NYSE:AAI), the former parent company of AirTran Airways. Southwest Airlines estimates the transaction's value at $3.2 billion and expects one time costs to integrate the two airlines of $500 million, with cost synergies of approximately $400 million annually. The greatest impact on Southwest will likely be the elimination of a direct low-cost competitor, access to Atlanta, and the addition of landing slots in the New York and Washington DC areas. Southwest obtained a single operating certificate (SOC) from the United States Federal Aviation Administration on March 1, 2012, but expects that full integration of AirTran into Southwest's operations to continue until 2014.
An entity called Guadeloupe Holdings was formed by Southwest and currently acts as a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines and holding company for AirTran's current operations and assets. Southwest's organized labor groups have ceded contractual "scope" provisions pending acceptable negotiated seniority integration agreements. Operations of the two airlines will remain isolated until terms of this integration are fully negotiated (or arbitrated). Bound by federal law, such as McCaskill-Bond legislation, as well as a four-party process agreement, Southwest has confirmed that it will integrate all of the pilots in a fair and equitable manner.[6]
The purchase potentially expands Southwest's service to 15 additional destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, and Atlanta, an AirTran hub and the largest U.S. city not served by Southwest. On October 10, 2011, USA Today reported that Southwest will work to no longer bank flights in Atlanta as AirTran did. AirTran's Boeing 737 orders and options will remain in place and those deliveries to the Southwest operation will occur over the coming years.[6] Former AirTran aircraft are in the process of being conveyed to Southwest's new evolve interior and canyon blue livery, this process is expected to be completed sometime in 2014.
On December 13, 2011, Southwest placed a firm order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, becoming the launch customer for the type. First delivery is expected in 2017.[53]
On April 11, 2012 Southwest introduced the 737-800 to the fleet. The first 737-800 was called "Warrior One." [54]
Southwest Airlines headquarters in
Dallas
The Southwest Airlines headquarters are located on the grounds of Dallas Love Field in the Love Field neighborhood of Dallas, Texas.[5][55]
As of December 2011, Southwest has 37,000 employees[56]
The President and CEO of Southwest is Gary C. Kelly. Kelly replaced former CEO Jim Parker on July 15, 2004 and assumed the title of "President" on July 15, 2008, replacing former President Colleen Barrett.
Southwest's CFO is Laura Wright. In July 2007, Herb Kelleher resigned his position as Chairman. Colleen Barrett left her post on the Board of Directors and Corporate Secretary in May 2008 and President in July 2008. Both are still active employees of Southwest Airlines.
In contrast to non-union competitor JetBlue Airways, Southwest maintains its profitability and low-fare, low-cost business model while being heavily unionized. The Southwest Airline Pilots' Association, a union not affiliated with the Air Line Pilots Association, represents the airline's pilots.[57] The Aircraft Maintenance Technicians' are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).[58] Customer Service Agents and Reservation Agents are represented by the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Union (IAM). Flight Dispatchers, Flight Attendants, Ramp agents and Operations agents are represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
The company has employed humor in its advertising. Slogans include "Just Plane Smart", "The Somebody Else Up There Who Loves You" and "THE Low Fare Airline". The airline's current slogan is "Grab your bag, It's On!".
In March 1992, shortly after Southwest started using the "Just Plane Smart" motto, Stevens Aviation, who had been using "Plane Smart" for their motto, threatened a trademark lawsuit.[59][60]
Instead of a lawsuit, the CEOs for both companies staged an arm wrestling match. Held at the now demolished Dallas Sportatorium (the famed wrestling facility) and set for two out of three rounds, the loser of each round was to pay $5,000 to the charity of their choice, with the winner gaining the use of the trademarked phrase. A promotional video was created showing the CEOs "training" for the bout (with CEO Herb Kelleher being helped up during a sit up where a cigarette and glass of whiskey (Wild Turkey 101) was waiting) and distributed among the employees and as a video press release along with the video of the match itself. Herb Kelleher lost the match for Southwest, with Stevens Aviation winning the rights to the phrase. Kurt Herwald, CEO of Stevens Aviation, immediately granted the use of "Just Plane Smart" to Southwest Airlines. The net result was both companies having use of the trademark, $15,000 going to charity and good publicity for both companies.[61]
Southwest has been a major inspiration to other low-cost carriers, and its business model has been repeated many times around the world. The competitive strategy combines high level of employee and aircraft productivity with low unit costs by reducing aircraft turn around time particularly at the gate.[62] Europe's EasyJet and Ryanair are two of the best known airlines to follow Southwest's business strategy in that continent. Other airlines with a business model based on Southwest's system include Canada's WestJet, Malaysia's AirAsia (the first and biggest LCC in Asia), Qantas's Jetstar (although Jetstar now operates two aircraft types), Philippines's Cebu Pacific, Thailand's Nok Air, Mexico's Volaris and Turkey's Pegasus Airlines. Although Southwest has been a major inspiration to many other airlines, including Ryanair, AirAsia and Jetstar, the management strategies, for example, of Ryanair, AirAsia and Jetstar differ significantly from those of Southwest.[62] All these different management strategies can be seen as means of differentiation from other competitors in order to gain competitive advantages.[63]
Southwest has fought against the development of a high-speed rail system in Texas. Southwest Airlines also tried advertising for non-stop services within Texas for $18 each way, but it was not approved by any of the United States Amendments.[64][65]
Some awards Southwest has been honored with include:[66]
- The American Brand Excellence Awards recognize leading national brands that best serve the needs of small- and medium-sized businesses. For 2007, Southwest Airlines came out tops in the Travel segment, based on a City Business Journals Network nationwide survey of 1,000 business decision-makers who evaluated 251 brands.[67]
- For the tenth year in a row, FORTUNE magazine recognized Southwest Airlines in its annual survey of corporate reputations. Among all industries in 2005, FORTUNE has listed Southwest Airlines as number three among America’s Top Ten most admired corporations.
- FORTUNE has ranked Southwest Airlines in the top five of the “Best Companies to Work For” in America. Southwest ranked first in 1997 and 1998, second in 1999, and fourth in 2000. Southwest has chosen not to participate since 2000.
- Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program was honored in InsideFlyer magazine's 2006 annual Freddie Awards for Best Program of the Year, Best Award Redemption, Best Award, Best Web Site, and Best Bonus Promotion Honors.
- For 2007, the eighth year in a row, Business Ethics magazine lists Southwest Airlines in its "100 Best Corporate Citizens", a list that ranks public companies based on their corporate service to various stakeholder groups.[68] Southwest is one of only 11 repeat winners that have made the list all eight years.
- In 2005 and again in 2008 The American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) recognized Southwest Airlines as leading the industry in customer satisfaction. The ACSI, conducted by the University of Michigan, independently tracks customer satisfaction levels by measuring the household consumption experience.[69]
- Since 2000, HISPANIC magazine has listed Southwest Airlines as Corporate 100 for leadership in providing opportunities for Hispanics and for supporting recruitment, scholarships, and minority vendor programs.
- The Express Delivery & Logistics Association honored Southwest Airlines as the "2006 Airline of the Year."
- In 2005, American Small Business Travelers Alliance ranked Southwest Airlines as the "Best Airline Among Small Business Travelers."
- Southwest president Colleen Barrett was chosen as 2007's Tony Jannus Award winner,[70] becoming the first woman to be honored in the 44-year history of the respected aviation award.
- Professional Women's magazine included Southwest Airlines in their 2006 ranking of the "Most Admired Companies Among Women."
- According to Institutional Investor magazine, Southwest Airlines ranked number one in the Consumer category among all airlines as the "Most Shareholder Friendly Company" based on the effectiveness of Southwest's governance and investor relations as part of their overall efforts to maximize share holder value.
- Southwest Airlines took top honors in the ninth Business Travel News Annual Airlines Survey.
- In 2006, Southwest ranked in GIjobs.nets list of 50 military friendly employers. At number 37, Southwest was the only major commercial airline to make the list.
- In its January 2006 issue, Institutional Investor ranked Southwest CEO Gary Kelly as one of America's top CEO's. He was ranked best CEO in the airline sector.
- In April 2007, The Port of Portland presented Southwest Airlines with the Environmental Excellence Award in recognition of an exemplary effort in the category of Environmental Innovation.[71]
Southwest approaching gate at
LAX
As of June 2012[update], Southwest Airlines operates scheduled service to 97 destinations in 42 states, the newest being Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on February 12, 2012.
Southwest does not use the more traditional "hub and spoke" flight routing system of most other major airlines, preferring instead the "Point to Point" system. Currently, Southwest serves 72 cities in 37 states, with more than 3,300 flights a day. It has notably large operations in certain airports. An average of 80 percent of Southwest passengers are local passengers, meaning only 20 percent of all passengers are connecting passengers. This is significantly higher than most airlines, where passengers often connect in hub cities.[72]
As part of its effort to control costs, Southwest sometimes uses secondary airports in cities which generally have high costs. Secondary airports generally have lower costs and may be more convenient to travelers than major airports to the same destinations. For example, Southwest flies to Chicago-Midway in Chicago instead of Chicago-O'Hare.
As of July 18, 2011 (2011 -07-18)[update][73]
Southwest will initiate service from Atlanta to Los Angeles on June 10, 2012.[74]
On July 8, 2012, Southwest Airlines will initiate service from Washington-National to Austin. This is the first service Southwest will ever operate out of Reagan National Airport.[75]
On January 22, 2012, Southwest announced expansion at New York-LaGuardia with new service to Denver, St. Louis and Milwaukee beginning August 12, 2012. With their current service (8 daily departures) and new service (6 daily departures) they will serve a total of 14 daily departures from La Guardia. The slots are coming from AirTran Airways which Southwest owns. AirTran will still operate 13 daily departures which will eventually convert to Southwest as well.[76]
On August 12, 2012 Southwest will add service from Atlanta to Louisville, Norfolk and Seattle/Tacoma.[77]
On April 2, 2012, Southwest announced that it would begin service at Dayton and Akron-Canton on August 12, 2012 under the Southwest brand. In addition, Southwest service will commence at Des Moines on September 30, 2012.
Southwest will add service from Atlanta to Orlando and San Francisco on September 30, 2012.[78]
On April 19, 2012, Southwest Airlines, whose reservations system doesn't have the capability of handling international reservations, announced it has signed a contract with Amadeus IT Group to help it begin international service in 2014. The contract also provides the option for Southwest to convert its domestic business to Amadeus in the future.[79]
Southwest Airlines confirmed on January 20, 2012 the intent to convert AirTran Airways operations at 22 domestic and international airports to Southwest operations over time, while discontinuing flights to a total of 15 cities, as the two airlines combine.[80]
- AirTran cities to be converted to Southwest
|
|
- Memphis, Tenn. (MEM)
- Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)
- Nassau, Bahamas (NAS)
- Pensacola, Fla. (PNS)
- Portland, Maine (PWM)
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)
- Richmond, Va. (RIC)
- Rochester, N.Y. (ROC)
- San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU)
- Washington, DC-Reagan (DCA)
- Wichita, Kan. (ICT)
|
AirTran service and employees at airports where service will continue are planned to convert to Southwest gradually over the course of the merger. The airlines earlier announced that AirTran will begin serving Mexico City, Mexico (MEX) on May 24, 2012, and San Jose Cabo, Mexico (SJD) on June 3, 2012. Those destinations also will convert to Southwest over time. Of the 69 cities AirTran served when Southwest acquired it on May 2, 2011, 53 cities are planned to convert to full Southwest Airlines service.[81]
- Current
Southwest announced its second international codeshare agreement on November 10, 2008, with Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris. The agreement allows Southwest to sell tickets on Volaris flights.[82] Volaris serves Chicago Midway (MDW), Oakland (OAK), Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Diego (SAN), San José (SJC) with service to multiple Mexican cities.[83]
- Past
In 1997, Southwest and Icelandair entered into interline and marketing agreements allowing for joint fares, coordinated schedules, and transfer of passenger luggage between the two airlines in Baltimore. Icelandair operated flights between Baltimore and Keflavik Airport in Iceland. Connecting service between several U.S. cities and several European cities appeared in the Southwest timetable.[84] The frequent flyer programs were not included in the agreement. This arrangement lasted for several years but ended when Icelandair's service to BWI ended in January 2007.[85]
ATA Airlines, one of Southwest Airlines' main competitors in the Chicago market, historically operated out of Midway Airport alongside Southwest.
In a departure from its traditional "go it alone" strategy, Southwest entered into its first domestic codesharing arrangement with ATA, which enabled Southwest Airlines to serve ATA markets in Hawaii, Washington, D.C., and New York City.
The codeshare arrangement expanded to include all of ATA's 17 destinations and all of Southwest's 63 destinations. In 2006, Southwest's pilot union approved a codeshare sideletter to their contract with limitations on the growth of this and other codeshare agreements. While these restrictions today are minor, outsourcing remains a growing concern in the union's current contract negotiations.
During 2006, Southwest Airlines began marketing ATA only flights. ATA's dependence on the Southwest network continued to grow in 2006, and at the time of ATA's demise in April 2008, the airline offered over 70 flights a week to Hawaii from Southwest's focus cities in PHX, LAS, LAX, and OAK with connections available to many other cities across the United States.
The ATA/Southwest codeshare was terminated when ATA filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on April 3, 2008.[86] Towards the end of November 2008, Southwest announced it was buying the operating certificate and the remaining assets of ATA Airlines thus enabling Southwest Airlines access to New York LaGuardia slots formerly controlled by ATA. The purchase doesn't include any aircraft, facilities or employees of ATA.[87]
On July 8, 2008, Southwest Airlines officially announced the intent to begin a codeshare agreement with WestJet of Canada, giving the two airlines the ability to sell seats on each other's flights.[88] Originally, the partnership was to be finalized by late 2009, but has been postponed due to economic conditions.[89]
On April 16, 2010, Southwest and WestJet airlines amicably agreed to terminate the implementation of a codeshare agreement between the two airlines.
As of April 11, 2012, the Southwest Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft.[90][91]
Southwest Airlines fleet (As of April, 2012)
| Aircraft |
In Service |
Orders |
Options |
Passengers
(Business/Economy) |
Notes |
| Boeing 717-200 |
88 |
0 |
0 |
117 (12/105) |
Aircraft to be phased out between 2013 and 2015 and leased to Delta Air Lines.[92][93]
Fleet includes first & last Boeing 717 ever built |
| Boeing 737–300 |
167 |
0 |
0 |
137 |
Launch customer and largest operator of this variant
Newer aircraft being retrofitted with electronic flight decks |
| Boeing 737–500 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
122 |
Launch customer |
| Boeing 737–700 |
424 |
189 |
92 |
137
137 (12/125)
143 |
Launch customer and largest operator of the variant
Seat count being increased to 143; to be completed in 2013[94]
Aircraft in 12/125 configuration from AirTran; transition to Southwest evolve interior in progress |
| Boeing 737–800 |
10 |
64 |
0 |
175 |
Configured for ETOPS[95] |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 |
0 |
150 |
150 |
TBA |
Launch customer
Orders interchangeable with 737 MAX 7[53]
Scheduled to enter service in 2017[96] |
| Total |
709 |
403 |
242 |
|
|
The interior of a Southwest
737–700 with the airline's leather seating
Southwest is the largest operator in the world of the Boeing 737.[97] Also, Southwest operates more 717 aircraft than any other airline.
After completing the purchase of AirTran Airways, Southwest added AirTran's existing fleet of both 737–700 and smaller Boeing 717–200 aircraft to the Southwest fleet, giving Southwest a fleet based on two different families of airliners.
Newer Boeing 737–300 variants are being upgraded with retrofitted electronic flight decks and blended winglets to reduce operational costs. The retrofits will make the 737-300s operationally compatible with the 737–700 and support the airline's move to embrace the Global Positioning System enabled Required Navigation Performance system.[98][99]
On December 15, 2010, Southwest announced a plan to add the 737–800 to the Southwest fleet. The 737–800 entered operations at Southwest on April 11, 2012 and has 175 seats, 38 more than the former largest plane in Southwest's fleet.[100]
On December 13, 2011, Southwest placed a firm order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, becoming the launch customer for the type. First delivery is expected in 2017.[53]
All 737-800 and 737 MAX aircraft include the Boeing Sky Interior, with the 737-800 also having ETOPS capability.[53][101]
Original
Desert Gold livery, used until 2001
Southwest's original primary livery was Desert Gold, red and orange, with pinstripes of white separating each section of color. The word Southwest appeared in white on the desert gold portion of the tail. On the original three 737-200s, from June 1971, on the left side of the plane, the word Southwest was placed along the upper rear portion of the fuselage, with the word Airlines painted on the tail where Southwest is today N21SW. On the right side, the word Southwest was in the same place as today, but also had the word Airlines painted on the upper rear portion of the fuselage.N20SW.
Current
Canyon Blue livery
Southwest introduced the current Canyon Blue livery on January 16, 2001, the first primary livery change in Southwest's [then] 30-year history. Spirit One was the first plane painted in the Canyon Blue fleet color scheme. The new livery replaces the former primary color, Desert Gold, with Canyon Blue and changes the Southwest text and pinstripes to gold. The orange and red stripes continue to be used. The pinstripe along the plane is drawn in a more curved pattern instead of the straight horizontal line separating the colors in the original. For aircraft equipped with blended winglets, the blended winglets are painted to include the text SOUTHWEST.COM. Southwest completed repainting its entire fleet with the new Canyon Blue livery in early 2010.
Arizona One special livery.
Lone Star One special livery.
Some Southwest aircraft feature special liveries. Southwest gives these aircraft special names, usually ending in "One". All special liveries prior to Spirit One wore the standard Desert Gold, red and orange colors on the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Subsequent special liveries including Maryland One, Slam Dunk One and others feature tails with the Canyon Blue livery. All earlier specials, with the exception of Triple Crown One, have been repainted to match. Aircraft painted in special liveries, such as Shamu, have plain white painted blended winglets.[5]
Some of the well-known examples of special liveries include:[102]
- 35th Anniversary combined the original primary livery with the current canyon blue livery.(N238WN)
- Arizona One: (1994) The flag of the state of Arizona applied across the aircraft. (N383SW)
- California One: (1995) The flag of the state of California applied across the aircraft. (N609SW)
- Colleen Barrett Classic/ Heroine of The Heart: (2008) Named in tribute to Colleen Barrett, the company's former Executive Vice President. (N714CB), (N266WN)
- Florida One: (2010) The flag of the state of Florida applied across the aircraft. (N945WN)[103]
- The Fred J. Jones: (1984) In honor of Fred J. Jones, one of Southwest's original employees.[104] Signature on the nose. It later became Southwest's only 737–200 to be painted in the Canyon Blue livery when it was applied in 2001. The aircraft was retired in 2005 and replaced in the same year with a 737–700 with the same signature on the cone. The replaced aircraft is also the first 737 Next Generation that was manufactured without eyebrow windows above the cockpit. (737–200 N96SW: Original,Canyon Blue) (737–700 N201LV).
- The Herbert D. Kelleher One: (2008) Named in honor of Herbert D. Kelleher, the company's former CEO and Chairman. (N711HK)
- Illinois One: (2008) The flag of the state of Illinois applied across the aircraft. (N918WN)
- Jack Vidal One: (1995) First flew on February 27, 1995. It was delivered to Southwest on March 10, 1995. (N601WN)
- The June M. Morris: (1994) In honor of June Morris (founder of Morris Air), Signature and Morris Air logo on the nose. Signature and logo removed for Canyon Blue repaint. (N607SW, Original, Canyon Blue)
- Lone Star One: (1990) The flag of the state of Texas applied across the aircraft. (N352SW)
- Maryland One: (2005) The flag of the state of Maryland applied across the aircraft. (N214WN)
- Metallic Gold One(2007) The last aircraft delivered to Southwest in the original scheme livery. (N792SW)
- Nevada One: (1999) The flag of the state of Nevada applied across the aircraft. (N727SW)
- New Mexico One: (2000) The flag of the state of New Mexico applied across the aircraft. (N781WN)
- Nolan Ryan Express: (1998) Commemorative sticker dedicated to famous Texas pitcher Nolan Ryan who is MLB's all-time strikeout leader with 5,714 strikeouts. (N742SW)
- Shamu: The three aircraft are painted to look like an Orca, with advertisements for SeaWorld. (N334SW), (N713SW), (N715SW)
- The first aircraft to be painted in the "Shamu" scheme was N334SW (1988), a 737–300, and it was later followed by N507SW (Shamu II) and N501SW (Shamu III), both 737-500s. Subsequent to the retirement of Southwest's 737-200s, the 737-500s began to stay within a smaller geographic area formerly operated by the 737-200s, and as such, Sea World was no longer getting the optimal national exposure from these two aircraft. Two 737–700 aircraft, N713SW and N715SW, were repainted as the new Shamu aircraft, and both N501SW and N507SW were eventually repainted in Canyon Blue colors. All three current Shamu aircraft are no longer referred to as Shamu I, II, or III. The artwork on the nose of each aircraft simply states "Shamu". The overhead bins on the −700 series aircraft display ads for Sea World, except towards the front and back of the airplane, where the bins get smaller and are no longer uniform.
- Silver One: (1996) 25th Anniversary aircraft. Originally polished bare metal, it was later painted silver for easier maintenance. It was then re-painted with a silver metallic paint. This aircraft also featured silver seats, which were replaced to conform with the rest of the fleet for simplicity. Silver One also featured silver heart shaped drink stirrers. Most recently Silver One was repainted in the fleet standard Canyon Blue theme due to the silver paint looking dingy and the company felt it did not fit the company's cheerful, bright personality. The Silver One nose logo remained but the interior was replaced with the fleet standard blue and tan. (N629SW, Original, Silver Paint, Canyon Blue)
- Slam Dunk One: (2005) Basketball superimposed on side of aircraft and a different NBA team logo on each overhead bin in the cabin, recognizing Southwest's partnership with the National Basketball Association. On October 11, 2010 Southwest Airlines and the National Basketball Association announced that their partnership has ended and the aircraft will be repainted to standard canyon blue livery. Source: Dallas Morning News Aviation Blog (N224WN).
- The Spirit of Hope: (2004) Dedicated to the Ronald McDonald House. Overhead bins are covered in artwork from kids at a Ronald McDonald House in Washington State. (N443WN), (The overhead bins)
- The Spirit of Kitty Hawk: (1984) Livery and title introduced the first three Boeing 737–300 aircraft to the Southwest Airlines fleet. (N300SW) is the oldest 737–300 in Southwest's fleet, followed by sister ships (N301SW) and (N302SW).
- Spirit One: (2001) 30th Anniversary aircraft. (First Aircraft in New Canyon Blue paint scheme) (N793SA)
- Sports Illustrated: (2009) A large decal of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition Cover Model Bar Refaeli adorns the fuselage of N922WN . However on June 16, 2009 this aircraft was photographed in full canyon blue on a photo posted on airliners.net (N922WN, Sports Illustrated/Original, Canyon Blue)[105]
- Tinker Bell One: (2008) Includes the logo of the Tinker Bell movie and a sticker featuring the phrase "Powered by Pixie Dust". However on April 2, 2010 this aircraft was photographed in full canyon blue on a photo posted on airliners.net, and on August 8, 2010 a photo of this aircraft was posted on airliners.net with the "Free Bags Fly Here" sticker just above the cargo door to promote Southwest's Bags Fly Free campaign. (N912WN, Tinker Bell/Original, Canyon Blue, Free Bags Fly Here)
- Triple Crown One: (1997) Livery dedicated to the employees of Southwest, in recognition of Southwest receiving five Triple Crown airline industry awards (best on-time record, best baggage handling, and fewest customer complaints). The overhead bins in Triple Crown One one are inscribed with the names of all employees that worked for Southwest at the time, in honor of their part in winning the award.(N647SW)
- Southwest received both the 5,000th 737 produced (February 13, 2006) (N230WN) and the 2,000th "Next Generation" 737 produced (July 27, 2006) (N248WN). The 2,000th "Next Generation" 737 is marked as such in its livery, though the 5,000th 737 is not similarly marked on the outside. It does have a placard stating that it is the 5000th 737 on the upper part of the inside entry door frame.
- Southwest received their 500th 737 on June 28, 2007. This aircraft is marked to honor this milestone. (N281WN)
- Warrior One: (2012) Named in salute of the Southwest Employees' Warrior Spirit, and was the first Boeing 737-800 to enter Southwest service. (N8301J)
Southwest offers free in-flight non-alcoholic beverages with alcoholic beverages available as well for a small price. Southwest has complimentary peanuts or pretzels on all flights, and most flights have free Nabisco snacks. Southwest is known for colorful boarding announcements and crews that burst out in song. The singing is quite popular among passengers.[106]
Southwest maintains excellent customer satisfaction ratings; for many years, according to the Department of Transportation Southwest ranked number one (lowest number of complaints) of all U.S. airlines for customer complaints. Southwest Airlines has consistently received the fewest ratio of complaints per passengers boarded of all major U.S. carriers that have been reporting statistics to the Department of Transportation (DOT) since September 1987, which is when the DOT began tracking Customer Satisfaction statistics and publishing its Air Travel Consumer Report.
Southwest is also one of the few airlines to offer Dr. Pepper as a beverage option.[107]
After completing a testing phase that began in February 2009, Southwest announced on August 21, 2009 that it will begin rolling out in-flight wi-fi Internet connectivity via Row 44's satellite-broadband based product. Southwest began adding Wi-Fi to its aircraft in the first quarter of 2010, they hope to have all airplanes equipped sometime in 2012.[108]
On January 17, 2012 Southwest introduced a plan to retrofit its fleet with a new interior. Improvements include a modern cabin design, lighter and more comfortable seats made of eco-friendly products, increased under-seat space, new netted seatback pockets to provide more knee room, a new fixed-wing headrest and improved ergonomics. The carrier has begun the retrofits and expects to finish outfitting the fleet by the end of 2013.[109]
Southwest first began to offer a frequent-flyer program on June 20, 1987, calling it The Company Club. Unlike competitor's programs which were based on miles flown, The Company Club credited for trips flown regardless of distance.[110] Southwest Airlines renamed its frequent flyer program Rapid Rewards on April 25, 1996.[111]
The original Rapid Rewards program offered one credit per one-way flight from an origin to a destination including any stops or connections on Southwest Airlines. When 16 credits were accumulated in a 24 month period, Southwest awarded one free round-trip ticket that was valid for 12 months.[112] Beginning March 1, 2011, Rapid Rewards changed to a points system based on ticket cost.[113] Members earn and redeem points based on a three-tier fare scale multiplier and the cost of the ticket.[114]
Customers were able to earn one-half credit by using a Southwest partner to book any car rental or hotel stay, regardless of whether a Southwest flight is involved. Rapid Reward members can also earn one credit for every US$1,200 charged to a Rapid Rewards branded Visa credit card, with charges from Southwest or its partners counting double by dollars spent. Members could register their credit card with Rapid Rewards Dining to receive 0.25 credits for every US$100 spent at restaurant partners. In early 2009, Southwest announced their first retail partner, TeleFlora Flower Club, from which members can earn 0.5 or 1 credit with each flower order, depending on the total cost of the order.[115]
On January 6, 2011, Southwest introduced an updated version of Rapid Rewards. Changes include no blackout dates, seat restrictions or expiring credits. It also adds more options to use points. The new program uses points instead of credits, points are determined by the fare.[116]
Southwest Airlines has not been responsible for any passenger deaths on any of its planes in its history, but has had eight incidents/accidents with one hull-loss and one death on the ground.
Southwest Airlines Incidents and Accidents
| Flight |
Date |
Aircraft |
Location |
Description |
Injuries |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 1455 |
March 5, 2000 |
Boeing 737-300 |
Burbank, CA |
Overran the runway upon landing at Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport, now called Bob Hope Airport, Burbank, California, injuring 43.[117] The incident resulted in the dismissal of the pilots. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. This incident is the only hull-loss accident in the 40+ year history of the airline. |
43 injuries |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 1763 |
August 11, 2000 |
N/A |
In flight |
A passenger Jonathan Burton broke through the cockpit door aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 1763 while en route from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. In their own defense, the other passengers restrained Burton, who later died of the resulting injuries.[118] |
1 death |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 411 |
August 19, 2004 |
N/A |
Los Angeles, CA |
The flight taking off from Los Angeles International Airport bound for Albuquerque, New Mexico, was on the same runway that Asiana Airlines Flight 204, a Boeing 747, was using for landing due to an air traffic control error. The Asiana pilot aborted the landing, saving both planes.[119] |
None |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 |
December 8, 2005 |
Boeing 737-700 |
Chicago, IL |
The flight skidded off a runway upon landing at Chicago Midway International Airport in heavy snow conditions. A six-year-old boy died in a car struck by the plane after it skidded into a street. Passengers on board the aircraft and on the ground reported several minor injuries. The aircraft involved, N471WN, became N286WN after repairs. |
1 death (on ground); Several injuries |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 2294 |
July 13, 2009 |
Boeing 737-300 |
Charleston, WV |
The flight from Nashville International Airport to Baltimore-Washington International Airport was forced to divert to Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, after a hole formed on the top of the plane's fuselage near the tail, resulting in depressurization of the cabin and deployment of the oxygen masks. The aircraft landed safely.[120] |
None |
| Southwest Airlines Flight 812 |
April 1, 2011 |
Boeing 737–300 |
Yuma, AZ |
The flight from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport to Sacramento International Airport operated with a Boeing 737–300 aircraft registered N632SW, was forced to declare an emergency and divert to Yuma International Airport after a hole appeared in the top of the aircraft fuselage. The aircraft landed approximately 40 minutes after takeoff from Phoenix.[121] |
None |
On June 22, 2011, a March 25 recording of an in-flight transmission of Southwest pilot Captain James Taylor apparently unintentionally broadcasting a conversation with his co-pilot was released to the press. The conversation was peppered with foul language directed at gay, overweight and older flight attendants. According to Southwest, the pilot was reprimanded, temporarily suspended without pay and received diversity education before being reinstated. Captain Taylor also sent an e-mail apology to all of Southwest's employees, especially the crew bases they criticized.[122][123][124]
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US$ 15.7 billion (2011)
US$ 693 million (2011)
