Jump to content

Southwest Airlines

Coordinates: 32°50′48″N 96°51′40″W / 32.8467°N 96.861°W / 32.8467; -96.861 (Southwest Airlines Headquarters)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This is an old revision of this page, as edited by 68.188.56.42 (talk) at 19:33, 8 June 2017 (→Top cities). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

For other uses, see Southwest Airlines (disambiguation).

32°50′48″N 96°51′40″W / 32.8467°N 96.861°W / 32.8467; -96.861 (Southwest Airlines Headquarters)

Southwest Airlines
Logo (2014–present)
IATA ICAO Call sign
WN SWA SOUTHWEST
FoundedMarch 15, 1967 (1967-03-15)
Commenced operationsJune 18, 1971 (1971-06-18)
AOC #SWAA304A
Operating bases
Frequent-flyer programRapid Rewards
Fleet size727[1]
Destinations101
Traded asNYSE: LUV
DJTA Component
S&P 500 Component
HeadquartersDallas, Texas, U.S.
Key people
RevenueIncrease US$ 20.4 billion (2016)[2]
Operating incomeDecrease US$ 3.8 billion (2016)[2]
Net incomeIncrease US$ 2.2 billion (2016)[2]
Total assetsIncrease US$ 23.3 billion (2016)[2]
Total equityIncrease US$ 8.4 billion (2016)[2]
Employees53,536 (2016)[2]
Websitewww.southwest.com

Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is a major U.S. airline, the world's largest low-cost carrier, headquartered in Dallas, Texas.

The airline was established in 1967 by Herb Kelleher[3] as Air Southwest and then adopted its current name, Southwest Airlines, in 1971 when it began operating as an intrastate airline wholly within the state of Texas.[4] The airline has more than 53,000 employees as of October 2016 and operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season.[5][6] As of 2014, it carried the most domestic passengers of any U.S. airline.[7] As of December 2016, Southwest Airlines had scheduled services to 101 destinations in the United States and eight additional countries. Service to both Grand Cayman and Cincinnati begins June 4, 2017.

Southwest Airlines has only operated Boeing 737 jetliner models, except for the period from 1979 to 1987 when it leased several Boeing 727-200s from Braniff International Airways. As of January 2016, Southwest is the largest operator of the Boeing 737 worldwide, with over 700 in service, each averaging six flights per day.[5] With the exception of the original -100 variant, and the Next Generation -600 and -900 variants, Southwest has operated every variant of the Boeing 737.

History

Main article: History of Southwest Airlines

In 1966 Southwest Airlines was founded by Rollin King and Herbert Kelleher; in 1967 it was incorporated as Air Southwest Company. It was not until 1971 that the airline began scheduled flights, from Dallas Love Field. The same year the organization adopted the name Southwest Airlines. The expansion of flights started in 1975, to cities throughout Texas, and in 1978 Southwest began flying to neighboring states. Service to the East and the Southeast started in the 1990s.[8]

Corporate identity

Advertising

The company has employed humor in its advertising. Slogans include "Love Is Still Our Field," "Just Plane Smart," "The Somebody Else Up There Who Loves You," "You're Now Free To Move About The Country," "THE Low Fare Airline," "Grab your bag, It's On!" and "Welcome Aboard." The airline's current slogan is "Low fares. Nothing to hide."

A Southwest 737-800 at BWI Airport

In March 1992, shortly after Southwest started using the "Just Plane Smart" motto, Stevens Aviation, which had been using "Plane Smart" for its motto, advised Southwest that it was infringing on its trademark.[9][10]

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 his 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.[11]

Honor Flight Network

Southwest Airlines is the official commercial airline of the Honor Flight Network.[12] Honor Flights are dedicated to bringing aging and ailing veterans to visit the national monuments in Washington, D.C., devoted to the wars in which they served.[13]

Corporate affairs

Headquarters

Southwest Airlines headquarters in Dallas

The Southwest Airlines headquarters is located on the grounds of Dallas Love Field in the Love Field neighborhood of Dallas, Texas.[5][14]

On September 17, 2012, Southwest broke ground on a new Training and Operational Support (TOPS) building.[15] The TOPS Building is across the street from its current headquarters building. The property includes a two-story, 100,000-square-foot operations building that can withstand an EF3 tornado. It also includes a four-story, 392,000-square-foot office and training facility with two levels devoted to each function. The new facilities house 24-hour coordination and maintenance operations, customer support and services, and training. The project was completed in late 2013, with occupancy beginning in 2014.

Employment

As of December 31, 2016, Southwest Airlines has more than 53,000 employees.[16]

Gary C. Kelly is Chairman and CEO of Southwest Airlines. 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. In July 2008, Herb Kelleher resigned his position as Chairman. Colleen Barrett left her post on the Board of Directors and as Corporate Secretary in May 2008 and as President in July 2008. Both are still active employees of Southwest Airlines. Kelleher was President and CEO of Southwest from September 1981-June 2001.[17]

On January 10, 2017, Southwest announced changes to the Company's executive Leadership ranks with Thomas M. Nealon named as President and Michael G. Van de Ven named as the airline's Chief Operating Officer.[18]

Labor relations

In contrast to low-cost competitor JetBlue Airways, where most employees are non-union, Southwest employees are generally members of a union. The Southwest Airline Pilots' Association, a union not affiliated with the Air Line Pilots Association, represents the airline's pilots.[19] The Aircraft Maintenance Technicians are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA).[20] 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).

Sponsorships

Southwest Airlines is the official airline for four Major League Baseball teams, the Texas Rangers, the Baltimore Orioles, the Milwaukee Brewers, and the San Diego Padres. The Los Angeles Dodgers used to fly them as their airline sponsor; they signed a deal with United in 2015; since 2017, Emirates. Also, it serves as a sponsor for NBA teams, including the Houston Rockets and the Indiana Pacers,[21] and it was the official airline for the Super Bowl.

Southwest Airlines is the title sponsor of the annual Southwest Airlines San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade.[22][23]

Southwest Airlines painted two aircraft to look like Orcas, with advertisements for SeaWorld. It was repainted to standard Southwest livery following their 26-year partnership.[128] Both N713SW, and N715SW have been repainted in the Heart livery.

Impact on carriers

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.[24] 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 Malaysia's AirAsia (the first and biggest LCC in Asia), India's IndiGo, Australia's Jetstar, a subsidiary of Qantas (although Jetstar now operates three aircraft types), Philippines's Cebu Pacific, Thailand's Nok Air, Mexico's Volaris, Indonesia's Lion Air and Turkey's Pegasus Airlines. Although Southwest has been a major inspiration to many other airlines, including Ryanair, AirAsia, Lion Air and Jetstar, the management strategies, for example, of Ryanair, AirAsia, Lion Air and Jetstar differ significantly from those of Southwest.[24] All these different management strategies can be seen as means of differentiation from other competitors in order to gain competitive advantages.[25]

Lobbying Texas rail

Southwest has fought against the development of a high-speed rail system in Texas.

In 1991, a plan was made to connect the Texas Triangle (Houston – Dallas – Fort Worth – San Antonio) with a privately financed high speed train system that would quickly take passengers from one city to the next. This was the same model Southwest Airlines used 20 years earlier to break into the Texas market where it served the same cities.

Southwest Airlines, with the help of lobbyists, created legal barriers to prohibit the consortium from moving forward and the entire project was eventually scuttled in 1994, when the State of Texas withdrew the franchise.[26]

Destinations

Main article: Southwest Airlines destinations

As of June 2017, Southwest Airlines has scheduled flights to 101 destinations in 41 states, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.[27] It operates crew bases at the following airports: Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago–Midway, Dallas–Love, Denver, Houston–Hobby, Las Vegas, Oakland, Orlando, and Phoenix–Sky Harbor. Southwest does not use the "hub and spoke" system of other major airlines, preferring the "point-to-point" system, combined with a "rolling hub" model in its larger cities.[citation needed]

Top cities

Southwest Airlines top served cities (as of April 2017)[28][29][30]
City Daily departures Number of gates Cities served nonstop Service began Ref.
Chicago-Midway 236 34 69 1985 [31]
Denver 199 24 61 2006 [32]
Baltimore–Washington 205 31 64 1993 [33]
Las Vegas 203 24 55 1982 [34]
Dallas (Love Field) 180 18 52 1971 [35]
Phoenix 169 24 50 1982 [36]
Houston (Hobby) 162 19 54 1971 [37]
Orlando (MCO) 140 16 41 1996 [38]
Los Angeles (LAX) 129 15 31 1982 [39]
Atlanta 122 18 38 2012 [40]

Airline partnerships

Past

In 1997, Southwest and Icelandair entered into interline and marketing agreements allowing for joint fares, coordinated schedules, transfer of passenger luggage between the two airlines in Baltimore and connecting passengers between several U.S. cities and several European cities.[41] 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.[42]

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.

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. Southwest ultimately acquired the operating certificate and some of the landing rights of ATA in the ensuing proceedings.[43]

On July 8, 2008, Southwest Airlines signed a codeshare agreement with WestJet of Canada, giving the two airlines the ability to sell seats on each other's flights.[44] Originally, the partnership was to be finalized by late 2009, but had been postponed due to economic conditions.[45]

On April 16, 2010, Southwest and WestJet airlines amicably agreed to terminate the implementation of a codeshare agreement between the two airlines.

Southwest signed its second international codeshare agreement on November 10, 2008, with Mexican low-cost carrier Volaris. The agreement allowed Southwest to sell tickets on Volaris flights.[46] However, on February 22, 2013, the connecting agreement was terminated. It was said to be mutual between the airlines. Most industry experts believe that the expansion of the subsidiary of Southwest, AirTran Airways, into more Mexican markets, as a main reason for the termination of the agreement.[47]

After acquiring AirTran Airways in 2011, Southwest began a codeshare agreement with AirTran on February 14, 2013. The agreement ended after AirTran became fully integrated into Southwest on December 28, 2014.

Fleet

Since its inception Southwest Airlines has almost exclusively operated Boeing 737 aircraft (except for a brief period when it leased and flew some Boeing 727-200 aircraft). Southwest is the world's largest operator of the Boeing 737, was the launch customer of the 737-300, 737-500, and -700, and will be the launch customer of both the 737 MAX 7.

As of May 2017, Southwest Airlines operated the following aircraft:[48][49][50]

Southwest Airlines fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Passengers Notes
Boeing 737-300 75 — 137
143 		To be retired by September 30, 2017.[48]
Boeing 737-700 497 15 143 Launch customer; orders are for used aircraft;[51] deliveries through 2018.[48]
Boeing 737-800 151 56 175 Deliveries through 2018.
Boeing 737 MAX 7 — 30 150 Launch customer; scheduled to enter service in 2019.[52][53]
Boeing 737 MAX 8 — 170 175 Launch customer; scheduled to enter service on October 1, 2017, following the retirement of the 737-300.[53][54]
Total 727 271

Newer Boeing 737-300 variants are retrofitted with electronic flight decks, extended overhead bins and blended winglets to reduce operational costs. The retrofits 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.[55][56]

Southwest added the Boeing 737-800 to its fleet on April 11, 2012. The aircraft has 175 seats, 38 more than the former largest 737s in Southwest's fleet.[57][58]

After completing the purchase of AirTran Airways, Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran's existing fleet of Boeing 717-200 aircraft. However, Southwest elected not to integrate them into its fleet but instead leased them out.[59][60]

On December 13, 2011, Southwest placed a firm order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, becoming the launch customer for the type(although the launch customer of the 737 MAX 8 has been switched to Batik Air Malaysia,A.K.A Malindo). First delivery is expected in 2017.[61][61]

On May 15, 2013, Southwest became the launch customer for the Boeing 737 MAX 7 aircraft and now has 30 MAX 7 aircraft on order. The first delivery is expected in 2019.[62]

Historical fleet

Southwest Airlines fleet history
Aircraft Introduction Retired Replacement(s) Notes
Boeing 727-200 1979 1987 Boeing 737-200 Leased from Braniff International Airways, and People Express Airlines.
Boeing 737-200 1971 2005 Boeing 737-700 Southwest's first aircraft type.
Boeing 737-500 1990 2016 Boeing 737-700 Launch customer.

Livery

Original Desert Sand livery, used until 2001

Southwest's original primary livery was "Desert Sand" (gold, red and orange, with pinstripes of white separating each section of color). The word Southwest appeared in white on the gold portion of the tail. On the original three 737-200s, from June 1971, on the left side of the aircraft, the word Southwest was placed along the upper rear portion of the fuselage, with the word Airlines painted on the tail N21SW. On the right side, the word Southwest was on the tail, but also had the word Airlines painted on the upper rear portion of the fuselage.N20SW. This was later revised to simply include "Southwest" on both sides of the tail. The airline's Boeing 727-200s, operated briefly in the late 1970s and early 1980s, featured other variations on the livery; one was painted in a shade of ochre instead of gold with stylized titles on the forward fuselage and an "S" logo on the tail, while others bore the standard livery (albeit in metallic gold) with the word "Southwest" moved from the tail to the forward fuselage.[63][64]

Canyon Blue livery used from 2001 to 2014

Southwest introduced the canyon blue livery on January 16, 2001, the first primary livery change in Southwest's then-30-year history. Spirit One was the first aircraft painted in the canyon blue fleet color scheme. The second livery replaces the former primary color, "Desert Sand", with "Canyon Blue" and changes the Southwest text and pinstripes to gold. The orange and red stripes continued to be used. The pinstripe along the aircraft was 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 were painted to include the text Southwest.com. Southwest completed repainting its entire fleet with the new "Canyon Blue" livery in early 2010; however, The Colleen Barrett Classic (N714CB), The Herbert D. Kelleher One (N711HK) and The Metallic Gold One (N792SW), which are Boeing 737–700 aircraft, retained a simplified version of the original "Desert Sand" livery (now referred to as "Desert Gold" by Southwest).

Heart livery used 2014–present

A new livery, named "Heart" and developed with firms GSD&M, Lippincott, VML, Razorfish, and Camelot Communications, was unveiled on September 8, 2014.[65] The new livery uses a darker shade of blue. The orange stripe on the tail is changed to yellow; both the red and yellow stripes are now enlarged in reverse pattern; and the belly of the aircraft is now in blue and features a heart, which has been a symbol for Southwest during its 43-year history. Additionally, the pinstripes are changed to a silver-gray; and the Southwest text, now white, has been moved to the front of the fuselage. Lettering is in a font custom designed by Monotype, Southwest Sans. The engines now feature the airline's web address, Southwest.com.

Special liveries and decals

Missouri One in the new layout

Some Southwest aircraft feature special liveries or are named with special decals. Southwest gives these aircraft special names, usually ending in "One." All special liveries painted prior to Spirit One originally wore the standard Desert Gold, red and orange colors on the vertical stabilizer and rudder. Subsequent special liveries feature tails with the canyon blue livery. All earlier specials, with the exception of Triple Crown One, have been repainted with the Spirit livery tail. Aircraft painted in special liveries have white painted blended winglets with two exceptions: Lone Star One, which was fitted with "Southwest.com" blended winglets in January 2011 after having been fitted with plain white winglets in August 2010, and Warrior One, which added the split scimitar winglet in May 2014. Missouri One was the first special livery to feature a modified version of the Heart tail design, with the red and yellow ribbons shrunk in order to fit the Southwest wordmark as it is unable to be used on the fuselage. Previous special livery aircraft will eventually be repainted with the new tail design, Illinois One being the first.[5]

Special Livery/Decal Aircraft[66] Aircraft Registration
Herbert D. Kelleher (Desert Sand) Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N711HK
Colleen Barrett (Desert Sand) Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N714CB
Nevada One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N727SW
Classic Retro Scheme (Desert Sand) Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N792SW
Spirit One (Canyon Blue) Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N793SA
Triple Crown Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N409WN
Nolan Ryan Express Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N742SW
Diversity and Inclusion Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N765SW
The Rollin W. King Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N417WN
The Donald G. Ogden Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N439WN
The Spirit of Hope Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N443WN
Illinois One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N918WN
New Mexico One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N781WN
Tennessee One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N922WN
Maryland One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N214WN
Heroine of the Heart (Colleen Barrett) Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N266WN
Missouri One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N280WN
The Spirit of Kitty Hawk Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N448WN
Colorado One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N230WN
500th Southwest 737 Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N281WN
Lone Star One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N931WN
Florida One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N945WN
California One Boeing 737-7H4(WL) N943WN
Arizona One Boeing 737-3H4(WL) N383SW
The Jack Vidal Boeing 737-3H4(WL) N601WN
The June M. Morris Boeing 737-3H4(WL) N607SW
Heart Two Boeing 737-8H4(WL) N8645A
Warrior One (Canyon Blue) Boeing 737-8H4(WL) N8301J

Passenger experience

Southwest operates using a unique boarding process.
Southwest Airlines spirit interior introduced in 2001, succeeded by the evolve interior

Southwest offers free in-flight non-alcoholic beverages and offers alcoholic beverages for sale at a flat rate of $5/beverage, with Rapid Rewards members eligible to receive drinks vouchers with their tickets. Free alcoholic drinks are offered on popular holidays such as New Year's Day, Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras. 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, which is quite popular among passengers.[67][68][69][70]

Southwest maintains excellent customer satisfaction ratings; according to the Department of Transportation (DOT) Southwest ranks 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 DOT since 1987, which is when the DOT began tracking customer satisfaction statistics and publishing its Air Travel Consumer Report.

Prior to 2007, Southwest boarded passengers by grouping the passengers into three groups, labeled A, B and C. Passengers would line up at their specified letter and board.[71]

In 2007, Southwest modified their boarding procedure by introducing a number. Each passenger receives a letter (A, B or C) and a number 1 through 60. Passengers line up in numerical order within each letter group and choose any open seat on the aircraft as part of Southwest's open seating policy.[71]

In-flight entertainment

File:SWAEvolve737800.jpg
A Southwest 737-800 with the evolve interior, succeeded by the heart interior

All 737 Next Generation aircraft are equipped with Wi-Fi, free streaming live television, Beats audio, free eBooks and video on demand. After completing a testing phase that began in February 2009, Southwest announced on August 21, 2009 that it would begin rolling out in-flight wi-fi Internet connectivity via Global Eagle Entertainment's satellite-broadband based product. Southwest began adding Wi-Fi to its aircraft in the first quarter of 2010. The airline began testing streaming live television in the summer of 2012 and video on demand in January 2013.[72][73] As of 2017, live in-flight video and realtime flight tracking information via wi-fi are available free to all passengers, with full Internet access available for a small fee for regular passengers and free to A-List Rapid Rewards members.

Evolve interior

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. All Boeing 737-700s, 115 -800s and 78 737-300s have the Evolve Interior.[74] Though not originally planned, because of space saved, Southwest was able to fit an extra row of seats on its planes. All Boeing 737-800s have the Boeing Sky Interior, which features sculpted sidewalls and redesigned window housings, along with increased headroom and LED mood lighting.

Heart interior

On June 20, 2016, Southwest introduced its newest interior, called the Heart Interior. It includes the widest seat to fit a Boeing 737 that provides additional space for passengers and also includes a new galley.[75] The seat is being delivered on all new 737-800s and will be on all 737 Max aircraft.[76] All current evolve equipped 737s will be retrofitted with new bulkheads and bold blue seat cushions to match the look of the heart interior.

Rapid Rewards

Southwest first began to offer a frequent-flyer program on June 20, 1987, calling it The Company Club. Unlike competitors' programs that were based on miles flown, The Company Club credited for trips flown regardless of distance.[77] Southwest Airlines renamed its frequent flyer program Rapid Rewards on April 25, 1996.[78]

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.[79]

On March 1, 2011, Rapid Rewards changed to a points system based on ticket cost. Members earn and redeem points based on a three-tier fare scale multiplier and the cost of the ticket. Changes also included no blackout dates, seat restrictions or expiring credits. It also adds more options to use points.[80][81][82]

Accidents and incidents

Southwest Airlines incidents include 2 deaths (1 non-passenger death on the ground, 1 accidental passenger death in the air) and 7 accidents (including 2 aircraft hull losses). The airline was considered among the 10 safest in the world in 2012.[83]

Southwest Airlines incidents and accidents
Flight Date Aircraft Location Description Injuries
1455 March 5, 2000 Boeing 737-300 Burbank, California The aircraft overran the runway upon landing at Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport, now called Bob Hope Airport, Burbank, California, injuring 43.[84] The incident resulted in the dismissal of the Captain. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. 43 injuries
1763 August 11, 2000 Boeing 737-700 In flight 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.[85] 1 death
1248 December 8, 2005 Boeing 737-700 Chicago, Illinois The aircraft overran the runway during 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 slid 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
2294 July 13, 2009 Boeing 737-300 Charleston, West Virginia 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.[86] None
812 April 1, 2011 Boeing 737-300 Yuma, Arizona 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.[87] 2 minor injuries
345 July 22, 2013 Boeing 737-700 Queens, New York The flight from Nashville International Airport crash landed at New York's LaGuardia Airport after touching down hard, nose-gear first. "[T]he nose gear gave away so violently that the jet's electronics bay was penetrated by the landing gear with only the right axle still attached."[88] The Boeing 737 traveled 633 metres (2,077 ft) down the runway with its nose scraping, generating a shower of sparks, coming to rest slightly off the runway. Of 150 people on board, 10 were treated for minor injuries at local hospitals.[89][90] Damage to the 13-year-old aircraft, registered N753SW, was substantial.[91] The captain of Flight WN345 was fired, and the aircraft was ultimately removed by barge for scrapping in Albany, New York.[92] 10 minor injuries
3472 August 27, 2016 Boeing 737-700 Pensacola, Florida The flight from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport to Orlando International Airport suffered an uncontained engine failure while at cruising altitude. The engine cowling suffered major damage, with the inlet being completely torn off. Fragments from the engine also caused a gash in the fuselage. The 16-year-old Boeing 737-700 diverted and landed without incident at Pensacola International Airport. Passengers say that they "heard a loud boom and smoke trailing from the left engine, and saw metal flapping after the smoke cleared."[93] The NTSB is currently investigating the incident as an "uncontained engine failure" event. None

Controversies

See also: Kevin Smith feud with Southwest Airlines, Access Now v. Southwest Airlines, and Flying while Muslim § Southwest Airlines

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 first officer 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 and 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 members who were criticized.[94][95][96]

See also

References

  1. ^ https://www.swamedia.com/releases/release-3214b184f850f7746e1b07bec20d75d3-southwest-reports-first-quarter-profit
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Southwest Airlines Reports Fourth Quarter And Record Annual Profit; 44th Consecutive Year Of Profitability". January 26, 2017.
  3. ^ "Southwest Airlines – A Brief History". southwest.com. Southwest Airlines Co. 2009. Archived from the original on August 18, 2010. Retrieved January 6, 2011. More than 38 years ago, Rollin King and Herb Kelleher got together to start a different kind of airline. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ "1966 to 1971". swamedia.com. Southwest Airlines Co. 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2011. March 15, 1967 Air Southwest Co. is incorporated.
  5. ^ a b c d "Fact Sheet". swamedia.com. Southwest Airlines Co. 2016. Archived from the original on May 3, 2011. Retrieved May 2, 2011. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ "April 2016 Schedule is Here! No Foolin'! - Nuts About Southwest". Nuts About Southwest.
  7. ^ "The world's largest airlines". The Economist.
  8. ^ "Southwest Airlines Co. - American corporation". britannica.com. Retrieved November 15, 2016.
  9. ^ "Malice in Dallas part 1" "Youtube" Retrieved on October 8, 2009
  10. ^ "Malice in Dallas | Kevin & Jackie Freiberg". Freibergs.com. March 23, 1992. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  11. ^ "Malice in Dallas (Round 3 and results)" "Youtube" Retrieved on October 8, 2009
  12. ^ The Honor Flight Network (May 22, 2009). "SOUTHWEST AIRLINES : Named Official Commercial Airline of the Honor Flight Network" (Press release). Dallas, Texas: PRNewswire.
  13. ^ "Mission & Goals". Honor Flight Network. Retrieved October 7, 2014.
  14. ^ "Southwest Airlines Corporate Headquarters, Love Field, Dallas." Southwest Airlines. Retrieved on February 18, 2010.
  15. ^ "Southwest Airlines breaks ground on $100M HQ expansion in Dallas, plans to add 1,000 employees – Dallas Business Journal". Bizjournals.com. September 17, 2012. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  16. ^ "Southwest Airlines Reports Record Fourth Quarter And Full Year Profit; 41st Consecutive Year Of Profitability". investorroom.com. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  17. ^ "Herbert D. Kelleher – Officer Biographies – Southwest Airlines Newsroom". swamedia.com. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  18. ^ "Southwest Airlines Announces Executive Promotions". swamedia.com. Retrieved January 10, 2017.
  19. ^ "SWAPA". SWAPA. March 27, 2008. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  20. ^ "AMFA Home". Amfanatl.org. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  21. ^ https://www.swamedia.com/releases/release-daa31059a7882124dd8d036c260064ae-southwest-airlines-tips-off-a-new-era-in-indy>
  22. ^ "Chinese New Year Festival & Parade". Chinese New Year Festival & Parade. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  23. ^ "Southwest". Southwest Airlines. Southwest Airlines Co. Retrieved April 8, 2016.
  24. ^ a b Bamber, G.J., Gittell, J.H., Kochan, T.A. & von Nordenflytch, A. (2009). "Up in the Air: How Airlines Can Improve Performance by Engaging their Employees". Cornell University Press, Ithaca.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  25. ^ Strauss, Michael (2010): Value Creation in Travel Distribution, http://www.amazon.com/dp/0557612462
  26. ^ "Track 2–Corridor Programs of the Federal Railroad Administration's High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) Program, Application Form" 2009; see ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/stimulus/t_bone.pdf
  27. ^ https://www.swamedia.com/channels/Corporate-Fact-Sheet/pages/corporate-fact-sheet#dailydepartures
  28. ^ "City Fact Sheets – City Fact Sheets". Southwest Airlines Newsroom.
  29. ^ https://www.southwestaircommunity.com/htcpi66732/attachments/htcpi66732/stories/46285/1/Summer2017SkedFreqs.pdf
  30. ^ https://www.southwest.com/html/air/airport-information.html?clk=GFOOTER-FLY-AIRPORTINFO
  31. ^ "Chicago (Midway)" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  32. ^ "Denver" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  33. ^ "Baltimore" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  34. ^ "Las Vegas" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  35. ^ "Dallas (Love Field)" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  36. ^ "Phoenix" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  37. ^ "Houston (Hobby)" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  38. ^ "Orlando" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  39. ^ "Los Angeles" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  40. ^ "Atlanta" (PDF). Swamedia.com. Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  41. ^ Rob Kaiser (February 21, 1997). "Southwest may add cities to Iceland deal". Baltimore Business Journal. Retrieved June 10, 2007.
  42. ^ Terry, Robert J. (December 10, 2007). "Icelandair stopping flights out of BWI". bizjournals.com.
  43. ^ "Southwest Airlines Newsroom: Releases". Swamedia.com. April 3, 2008. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  44. ^ "Southwest, WestJet sign code-sharing pact". The Dallas Morning News. July 9, 2008. Archived from the original on October 17, 2008. Retrieved August 22, 2009. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  45. ^ "Southwest, WestJet delay codeshare". Reuters. May 25, 2009. Retrieved August 22, 2009.
  46. ^ Your name: * (April 30, 2009). "Swa To Offer Online Link To Volaris Service On Southwest.Com | Nuts About Southwest". Blogsouthwest.com. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  47. ^ "Southwest and Volaris to end partnership". Flightglobal.com. February 7, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  48. ^ a b c ""Southwest Reports First Quarter Profit"". Southwest Airlines. April 27, 2017. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  49. ^ Corp Fact Sheet. "Southwest Corporate Fact Sheet – Corporate Fact Sheet – Southwest Airlines Newsroom". swamedia.com. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
  50. ^ https://www.swamedia.com/releases/release-3214b184f850f7746e1b07bec20d75d3-southwest-reports-first-quarter-profit
  51. ^ "Southwest Airlines Reports Record Quarterly Profit".
  52. ^ "Southwest Launches 737 MAX 7, Converts 30 737 NG Orders". Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  53. ^ a b "Southwest Airlines shows off new Boeing 737 MAX". star-telegram.com. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  54. ^ "Southwest converts 20 737s to Max".
  55. ^ "Boeing Press Release December 22, 2008". Boeing.com. December 22, 2008. Retrieved August 22, 2011.
  56. ^ [1]
  57. ^ "Southwest Airlines Newsroom: Releases". Swamedia.com. March 21, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  58. ^ Lori Ranson (December 15, 2010). "Southwest to take delivery of first 737–800 in March 2012". Flightglobal. Retrieved January 25, 2012.
  59. ^ "Southwest Airlines Newsroom: Releases". Swamedia.com. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  60. ^ "Delta to add Boeing 717s in 2013, replacing smaller jets". worldairlinenews.com. Retrieved October 5, 2013.
  61. ^ a b "Southwest Airlines Will Become Launch Customer for the New Boeing 737 Max Aircraft". Southwest Airlines. December 13, 2011. Retrieved January 26, 2012.
  62. ^ "Southwest Airlines Returns Value To Shareholders". Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  63. ^ "Aviation Photo #1450565: Boeing 727-291 - Southwest Airlines (Braniff International Airways)". airliners.net. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  64. ^ "Aviation Photo #0682325: Boeing 727-227/Adv - Southwest Airlines". airliners.net. Retrieved September 24, 2016.
  65. ^ "Southwest unveils first new livery since 2001" (Press release). Dallas, TX: In Airline News. September 8, 2014. Retrieved September 8, 2014.
  66. ^ https://www.planespotters.net/airline/Southwest-Airlines
  67. ^ Kasperkevic, Jana (March 13, 2012). "Southwest Airlines Has A Secret Weapon To Make Everyone Love Flying". Business Insider. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  68. ^ Forgione, Mary (April 18, 2014). "Southwest, other airlines take safety talks to new, hilarious heights". LA Times. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  69. ^ Goldstein, Sasha (April 14, 2014). "Southwest Airlines flight attendant gives hilarious safety speech". NY Daily News. Retrieved November 6, 2014.
  70. ^ David Grossman (October 17, 2005). "I don't hate Southwest anymore". USA Today. Retrieved June 10, 2007.
  71. ^ a b Lollis, Barbara De (September 19, 2007). "Southwest to Change Boarding Process – ABC 123 News". Abcnews.com. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  72. ^ "WiFi Access – Southwest Airlines". Southwest.com. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
  73. ^ Vargo, Angela (February 19, 2013). "Video | Nuts About Southwest". Blogsouthwest.com. Retrieved June 20, 2013.
  74. ^ "Southwest Airlines Newsroom: Releases". Swamedia.com. January 17, 2012. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  75. ^ "Fully Branded Heart Interiors Southwest Airlines Wears Its Heart On Its Sleeve: Carrier Announces Employee-Designed Uniforms And Fully Branded Heart Interiors". southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.com. June 20, 2016. Retrieved June 20, 2016.
  76. ^ "Southwest Airlines Selects Seat for Future Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX Aircraft – Southwest Airlines Newsroom". Retrieved December 3, 2016.
  77. ^ "1985 to 1989". swamedia.com. Southwest Airlines Co. 2011. Archived from the original on January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2011. ...Southwest introduces "The Company Club," a frequent flyer program based on total trips flown, regardless of distance... {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  78. ^ "1995 to 1997". swamedia.com. Southwest Airlines Co. 2011. Archived from the original on January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2011. "Rapid Rewards" officially takes the place of "The Company Club" as the new name for our frequent flier program. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  79. ^ "Rapid Rewards Membership Rules". southwest.com. Southwest Airlines Co. August 2, 2010. Archived from the original on January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2011. One credit will be given for each Southwest Airlines flight flown. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  80. ^ "Southwest Airlines Introduces The All-New Rapid Rewards Program!". swamedia.com. Southwest Airlines Co. January 5, 2011. Archived from the original on January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2011. ...Rapid Rewards program, the carrier's frequent flyer program... {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  81. ^ "Redeem Points". southwest.com. Southwest Airlines Co. 2011. Archived from the original on January 11, 2011. Retrieved January 11, 2010. Lower fares require fewer points. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  82. ^ Green, Ryan. "Blog | Nuts About Southwest". Blogsouthwest.com. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  83. ^ "In depth: World's Safest Airlines". Retrieved July 15, 2012.
  84. ^ "NTSB Summary Report" (PDF).
  85. ^ Salt Lake City police. "Police report". Retrieved June 22, 2007.
  86. ^ Shawn Nottingham; Stephanie Gallman (July 14, 2009). "Jet makes landing with football-sized hole". CNN. Retrieved July 14, 2009.
  87. ^ "Six foot hole opens in 737 during flight". AP / KING 5. Associated Press. Retrieved April 1, 2011.
  88. ^ Stark, Lisa (July 26, 2013). "Southwest Plane's Nose Gear Landed [First], NTSB Says". ABCNews.go.com. ABC News. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  89. ^ Allen, Jonathan (July 23, 2013). "U.S. probes Southwest Air's LaGuardia landing". Chicago Tribune. Reuters. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  90. ^ CBS/AP (July 24, 2013). "Southwest Airlines Flight 345's nose gear "collapsed rearward," NTSB says". CBSNews.com. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  91. ^ NTSB Press Release (August 6, 2013). "NTSB issues second investigative update on Southwest Airlines accident in New York". NTSB.gov. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  92. ^ Schlangenstein, Mary. "Southwest Fires Captain Over LaGuardia Nose-First Landing". Bloomberg. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  93. ^ "Passenger jet suffers major engine malfunction in mid-air". Retrieved August 28, 2016.
  94. ^ "Southwest disciplines pilot for rant during flight". CNN. June 23, 2011. CNN Travel – Retrieved June 22, 2011
  95. ^ "Southwest Airlines Pilot's Rant – Transcript, Here's What He Said". Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  96. ^ "Southwest Airlines Pilot Broadcasts Hate For Flight Attendants Over ATC Radio – Raw Audio File". Aviation News Today – Retrieved June 22, 2011
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Air travel in the United States.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Southwest Airlines.
  • Official website
  • Corporate media site
  • Southwest Airlines Seating Charts on SeatGuru.com
  • Southwest Airlines Fleet Age
  • Business data for Southwest Airlines:
  • Southwest Airlines' Yahoo! Finance Profile
  • StartupStudio – Interview with Herb Kelleher on the founding of Southwest Airlines, recommendations for entrepreneurs and rule of thumb for raising venture funding
  • Iflyswa.com (Official website archive)
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Southwest_Airlines&oldid=784518284"