Content deleted Content added
67.187.1.208 (talk) (edit summary removed) |
|||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
#REDIRECT [[anal_fissure]] |
|||
{{about|the United States airline|other similarly named airlines|Southwest Airlines (disambiguation)}} |
|||
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2011}} |
|||
{{Coord|32.8467|-96.861|format=dms|display=title|region:US_type:landmark|name=Southwest Airlines Headquarters}} |
|||
{{Infobox airline |
|||
| airline = Southwest Airlines |
|||
| image = File:Southwest Air Logo.png |
|||
| image_size = 200 |
|||
| alt = |
|||
| IATA = WN |
|||
| ICAO = SWA |
|||
| callsign = SOUTHWEST |
|||
| founded = {{start date|1967|03|16}} |
|||
| commenced = {{start date|1971|06|18}} |
|||
| ceased = |
|||
| aoc = SWAA304A |
|||
| bases = |
|||
| hubs = peeee |
|||
| secondary_hubs = |
|||
| focus_cities = |
|||
<!-- Do not add Austin or Milwaukee as it is NOT a focus city. Provide source stating otherwise. --> |
|||
* [[Baltimore–Washington International Airport]] |
|||
* [[Chicago Midway International Airport]] |
|||
* [[Dallas Love Field]] |
|||
* [[Denver International Airport]] |
|||
* {{nowrap|[[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport]]}} |
|||
* [[Lambert–St. Louis International Airport]] |
|||
* [[Los Angeles International Airport]] |
|||
* [[McCarran International Airport]] <small>(Las Vegas)</small> |
|||
* [[Nashville International Airport]] |
|||
* [[Oakland International Airport]] |
|||
* [[Orlando International Airport]] |
|||
* [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]] |
|||
* [[San Diego International Airport]] |
|||
* [[William P. Hobby Airport]] <small>(Houston)</small> |
|||
| frequent_flyer = [[Rapid Rewards]] |
|||
| lounge = |
|||
| alliance = |
|||
| subsidiaries = [[AirTran Airways]] |
|||
| fleet_size = 598<!--Don't list orders here --> |
|||
| destinations = 92 |
|||
| company_slogan = ''If it matters to you, it matters to us'' |
|||
| parent = |
|||
| headquarters = [[Dallas, Texas|Dallas, Texas, USA]] |
|||
| key_people = |
|||
* {{nowrap|[[Gary C. Kelly]] <small>(Chairman, President, CEO)</small>}} |
|||
* [[Herb Kelleher]] <small>(Co-Founder, CEO, Chairman Emeritus)</small> |
|||
* [[Rollin King]] <small>(Co-Founder, Executive Director)</small> |
|||
* [[Colleen Barrett]] <small>(Corporate Secretary, President, President Emeritus) </small> |
|||
| revenue = {{nowrap|{{increase}} [[US$]] 17.69 billion <small>(2013)</small><ref name=10K>{{cite web |url=http://southwest.investorroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1859 |title=Southwest Airlines Reports Increase in Annual Profits; 40th Consecutive Year Of Profitability |publisher=Swamedia.com |accessdate=2012-02-28}}</ref>}} |
|||
| operating_income = {{increase}} US$ 1,278 million <small>(2013)</small><ref name=10K/> |
|||
| net_income = {{increase}} US$ 754 million <small>(2013)</small><ref name=10K/> |
|||
| assets = {{increase}} US$ 19.34 billion <small>(2013)</small><ref name=10K/> |
|||
| equity = {{increase}} US$ 7.33 billion <small>(2013)</small><ref name=10K/> |
|||
| num_employees = 45,000 <small>(2013)</small><ref name=10K/> |
|||
| website = {{URL|southwest.com}} |
|||
}} |
|||
'''Southwest Airlines Co.''' ({{nyse|LUV}}) is a [[major carrier|major]] [[United States|U.S.]] airline and the world's largest [[low-cost carrier]], headquartered in [[Dallas, Texas|Dallas]], [[Texas]]. The airline was established in 1967<ref name=briefhistory/> and adopted their current name in 1971.<ref name=1966to1971/> The airline has 44,831 employees {{as of|2013|12|lc=y|df=US}} and operates more than 3,400 flights per day.<ref name=factsheet>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwest.com/html/about-southwest/history/fact-sheet.html |title=Fact Sheet |year=2011 |work=swamedia.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co. |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5yONehPYr |archivedate=May 2, 2011 |accessdate=May 2, 2011 }}</ref> As of June 5, 2011, it carries the most domestic passengers of any U.S. airline.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iata.org/ps/publications/wats-passenger-carried.htm |title=Scheduled Passengers Carried |author=International Air Transport Association |accessdate=January 20, 2012 |authorlink=International Air Transport Association}}</ref> As of July 2014, Southwest Airlines has scheduled service to 89 destinations in 41 states, [[Puerto Rico]] and international countries. |
|||
Southwest Airlines has solely operated [[Boeing 737]]s, except for a few years in the 1970s and 1980s, when they operated a few [[Boeing 727]]s. As of August 2012, Southwest is the largest operator of the 737 worldwide with over 550 in service, each operating an average of six flights per day.<ref name=factsheet/> In May 2011, Southwest acquired [[AirTran Airways]], with integration of the carriers expected to be complete by 2014.<ref name=fg_airtran_acq /> On March 1, 2012, the company was issued a single operating certificate, technically becoming one airline.<ref>{{cite news |title=Southwest, AirTran now single carrier in FAA's eyes |author=Ben Mutzabaugh |url=http://travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2012/03/faa-issues-single-operating-certificate-to-southwest-airtran/637961/1?csp=34travel |publisher=USA Today |date=March 1, 2012 |accessdate=March 9, 2012}}</ref> |
|||
==History== |
|||
===Early history=== |
|||
[[Image:Boeing 737-2A1 N25SW Southwest SAT 17.10.75 edited-2.jpg|thumb|right|Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-200 wearing the original airline colors when landing at [[San Antonio International Airport|San Antonio]] in 1975]] |
|||
Southwest Airlines traces their roots to the March 15, 1967 incorporation of ''Air Southwest Co.'' by [[Rollin King]] and [[Herb Kelleher]] to provide service within the state of Texas.<ref name=briefhistory>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwest.com/swamedia/swa_history.html |title=Southwest Airlines – A Brief History |year=2009 |work=southwest.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |accessdate=January 6, 2011 |quote=More than 38 years ago, Rollin King and Herb Kelleher got together to start a different kind of airline.}}{{dead link|date=August 2013}}</ref><ref name=1966to1971>{{cite web |url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Date/pages/1966-to-1971 |title=1966 to 1971 |year=2011 |work=swamedia.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co. |accessdate=June 1, 2011 |quote=March 15, 1967 Air Southwest Co. is incorporated.}}</ref> |
|||
Kelleher believed that by providing intrastate service within Texas, the airline could avoid federal regulation.<ref name=cof>{{cite web |url=http://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Social/impact/SH3.htm |title=Air Travel: Its Impact on the Way We Live and the Way We See Ourselves |first=James C. |last=Kruggel |work=centennialofflight.net |publisher=U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5yOOoGQp7 |archivedate=May 2, 2011 |accessdate=May 2, 2011 |quote=A Texas attorney named Herbert Kelleher figured out that an airline flying within one state would escape federal regulation. He founded Southwest Airlines, serving only Texas, in 1971.}}</ref> Three airlines ([[Braniff]], [[Trans-Texas Airways|Trans-Texas]], and [[Continental Airlines]]) started 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.<ref>Original Court Decision Upheld, ''Texas International Airlines, Inc., Petitioner, v. Civil Aeronautics Board Respondent, Southwest Airlines Company, Intervenor Braniff Airways, Inc., Petitioner, v. Civil Aeronautics Board, Respondent, Southwest Airlines Company, Intervenor'', 473 F.2d 1150 (United States Court of Appeals, Dec 11, 1972)</ref> The Texas decision became final on December 7, 1970 when the [[Supreme Court of the United States|U.S. Supreme Court]] declined to review the case, without comment.<ref>Certiorari denied, 400 U.S. 943 (1970)</ref> |
|||
[[File:Southwest 737-2H4Adv N29SW.jpg|thumb|[[Boeing 737-200]] at [[William P. Hobby Airport]] in 1983]] |
|||
The story of Southwest’s legal fight was turned into a children’s book, ''Gumwrappers and Goggles'' <!-- ISBN needed-->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 colors. The Lawyer resembles Herb Kelleher. The book was adapted into a stage musical, ''Show Your Spirit'', sponsored by Southwest Airlines, and played only in cities served by the airline.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.poohbooli.com/bio.html |title=Winifred Barnum |accessdate=June 9, 2007}}</ref> |
|||
[[File:Boeing 727-227(Adv), Southwest Airlines JP5893149.jpg|thumbnail|Southwest Airlines [[Boeing 727-200]] at [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport]] in 1984]] |
|||
On March 29, 1971 Air Southwest Co. changed its name to Southwest Airlines Co.<ref name=1966to1971 /> with headquarters in Dallas. Southwest began scheduled flights on June 18, 1971, Dallas to [[Houston]] and Dallas to [[San Antonio]] with three 737-200s.<ref name=factsheet /> The OAG for 15 October 1972 shows 61 flights a week each way between Dallas and Houston Hobby, 23 each way between Dallas and San Antonio, and 16 each way between San Antonio and Houston; no flights were scheduled on Saturdays. |
|||
{{Rail freight |
|||
|title=Revenue Passenger-Kilometers, in millions |
|||
|float=left |
|||
|1975|480 |
|||
|1979|2,405 |
|||
|1985|8,587 |
|||
|1990|16,024 |
|||
|1995|37,535 |
|||
|2000|67,923 |
|||
|2005|97,097 |
|||
|source=''Air Transport World''}} |
|||
Southwest Airlines founder Herb Kelleher studied [[California]]-based [[Pacific Southwest Airlines]] and used many of PSA’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 including the same person who had selected hostesses for [[Hugh Hefner]]'s Playboy jet selected the first [[flight attendants]], females described as long-legged dancers, majorettes, and cheerleaders with "unique personalities." Southwest Airlines and [[Herb Kelleher]] dressed them in [[hot pants]] and [[go-go boots]].<ref>Freiberg, Kevin, and Jackie Freiberg. NUTS!. Austin, Texas: Bard Press, 1996.</ref> |
|||
The [[New York Times]] wrote in 1971 that Southwest Airlines President Lamar Muse, “says frankly—and repeatedly—that Southwest Airlines has been developed from its inception around the ideas that have proven to be successful for Pacific Southwest Airlines.” “ We Don't mind being copycats of an operation like that,” referring to a visit he and other Southwest executives made to PSA as they assembled their operating plans. PSA welcomed them and even sold them flight and operations training. Muse later wrote that creating the operations manuals for his upstart airline was “primarily a cut and paste procedure”, and it is said that “Southwest Airlines copied PSA so completely that you could almost call it a photocopy.”<ref>Collins, Jim and Morten T. Hansen. Great by Choice. New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers, 2011.</ref> |
|||
The rest of 1971 and 1972 saw operating losses. One of the four 737s was sold to [[Frontier Airlines (1950-1986)|Frontier Airlines]] and the proceeds used for payroll and other expenses. Southwest continued a schedule based on four aircraft but using only three, so the "ten minute turn" was born and was the standard ground time for many years.<ref>{{cite web|title=Why and how Southwest Airlines uses consultants |url=http://www.utsc.utoronto.ca/~bovaird/c19/SW%20Airlines.htm |author=Libby Sartain |publisher=Journal of Management Consulting |year=1998 |accessdate=June 9, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Category/pages/major-initiatives |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: By Category |publisher=Swamedia.com |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
====Wright Amendment==== |
|||
The [[Wright Amendment]] of 1979 is a federal law that governs traffic at [[Dallas Love Field]], the pre-1974 airport in Dallas. It originally limited most nonstop flights to destinations within Texas and neighboring states. The limits began to phase out in 1997 and 2005; in 2006, the amendment was repealed, with some restrictions intact until 2014, but added a restriction on the number of gates allowed.<ref>[http://www.statesman.com/news/content/gen/ap/TX_Wright_Amendment.html ]{{dead link|date=December 2012}}</ref> |
|||
When [[airline deregulation]] came in 1978, Southwest began to plan interstate flights from Love Field, causing interest groups affiliated with [[Dallas-Fort Worth Airport]], including the city of [[Fort Worth, Texas]], to push the [[Wright Amendment]] through Congress to restrict such flights.<ref name= WAH>{{cite web|title=History of the Wright Amendment |url=http://www.setlovefree.com/historyofwright.html |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20050507180104/http://www.setlovefree.com/historyofwright.html |archivedate=May 7, 2005 |author=Southwest Airlines |accessdate=June 10, 2007}}</ref> Under the amendment, Southwest and other airlines were barred from operating or even ticketing passengers on flights from Love Field to destinations beyond the states that border Texas. The Wright Amendment’s restrictions did not apply to aircraft with 56 or fewer seats. Southwest did not use the 56 seat loophole.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Southwest-Airlines |title=Southwest Airlines Fleet Details and History – Planespotters.net Just Aviation |publisher=Planespotters.net |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
In 1997, Southwest’s efforts began to pay off with the [[Shelby Amendment]], which added [[Alabama]], [[Mississippi]], and [[Kansas]] to the allowed destination states. Southwest began nonstop service between Dallas Love Field and [[Birmingham, Alabama]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Date/pages/1995-to-1997 |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: By Date |publisher=Swamedia.com |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
===1980s–90s=== |
|||
Southwest hired their first [[African American|black]] pilot, [[Louis Freeman (pilot)|Louis Freeman]], in 1980. In 1992 he was named the first black [[pilot in command|chief pilot]] of any major U.S. airline.<ref>{{Cite news | title = BWI Airport and Southwest Airlines Salute African American Aviation Pioneers – 1st African American Chief Pilot, 1st African American President of female flying organization highlight Feb. 24 program | publisher=Baltimore/Washington International Airport | date = February 5, 2005 | url = http://www.bwiairport.com/press_room/press_releases/106/ | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070515071720/http://www.bwiairport.com/press_room/press_releases/106/ | archivedate = May 15, 2007 | accessdate =June 9, 2006 }}</ref> |
|||
Southwest's Houston Pilot Base opened on June 1, 1984. Houston was their first crew base outside of Dallas.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Category/pages/openings-closings |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: By Category |publisher=Swamedia.com |accessdate=December 19, 2012}}</ref> |
|||
[[File:Classic Colors Southwest Airlines N648SW Boeing 737-3H4 SJC.jpg|thumb|A 737–300 (N648SW) pictured in Southwest's original desert gold livery.]] |
|||
On November 30, 1984 Southwest took delivery of their first Boeing 737–300. Southwest was the launch customer and as of May 2012 is the largest operator of the aircraft type.<ref name=SWA_History>{{cite web|url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Southwest-Airlines-Co-Company-History.html |title=Southwest Airlines Co. – Company History |publisher=Funding Universe |accessdate=31 May 2012}}</ref> The first 737-300 was dubbed "Kitty Hawk."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Category/pages/specialty-aircraft |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: By Category |publisher=Swamedia.com |accessdate=December 19, 2012}}</ref> |
|||
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 TranStar's assets to Lorenzo in August 1987.<ref name=bloomberg>{{cite news |url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-09-27/southwest-airlines-agrees-to-buy-airtran-for-1-4-billion-in-cash-shares.html |title=Southwest CEO Risks Keep-it-Simple Strategy to Reignite Growth |first1=Mary |last1=Schlangenstein |first2=John |last2=Hughes |date=October 28, 2010 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vh7wuxod |archivedate=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 |quote=...Morris Air in 1993 for $134 million in stock and Muse Air in 1985 for $60.5 million in stock and cash....}}</ref><ref name=fortune>{{cite news |url=http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/fortune_archive/2001/05/28/303852/index.htm |title=The Chairman Of the Board Looks Back |first1=Katrina |last1=Brooker |first2=Alynda |last2=Wheat |date=May 28, 2001 |work=money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune |publisher=Cable News Network |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vh8rKNaE |archivedate=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 |quote=By 1985 it was on the verge of collapse. We wound up buying it, renamed it TranStar, and operated it as an independent airline.}}</ref> |
|||
Southwest moved into their current headquarters in 1990. Previously, the airline was headquartered in the 1820 Regal Row building in Dallas, by Love Field.<ref>''World Airline Directory''. Flight International. March 20, 1975. "[http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1975/1975%20-%200565.html 503].</ref> At that time the headquarters had {{convert|256000|sqft|sqm}} of space and approximately 650 employees.<ref name="ExpandHQTraining">"[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0EIN/is_1996_March_13/ai_18083730/ Southwest Airlines to expand headquarters and training facilities near Love Field]." ''[[Business Wire]]''. March 13, 1996. Retrieved on March 4, 2010.</ref> The current headquarters facility was built at a cost of $15 million in 1990 dollars.<ref>"[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3D0FBF64DCA63&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Southwest will report slim profit]." ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]''. April 26, 1990. Retrieved on March 4, 2010. "Mr. Kelleher, who made his remarks at the opening of the airline's new $15 million headquarters facility at Dallas Love Field,"</ref> In early 1995 the building received an additional {{convert|60000|sqft|sqm}} of space. {{as of|2006|df=US}} about 1,400 employees worked in the three story building.<ref name="ExpandHQTraining"/> |
|||
In 1990, the airline registered their aircraft in Houston so they 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 their aircraft.<ref>Ragland, James and Martin Zimmerman. "[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3D0F7F5E3287E&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Airline changing jets'tax status Southwest's maneuver will cut local revenues by $7 million]." ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]''. April 12, 1990. Retrieved on March 4, 2010.</ref> |
|||
Southwest acquired [[Morris Air]], a competing airline based in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1992, paying US$134 million in stock.<ref name=funduniv>{{cite web |url=http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/Morris-Travel-Services-LLC-Company-History.html |title=Morris Travel Services L.L.C |year=2011 |work=fundinguniverse.com |publisher=Funding Universe LLC |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vhA4ukDi |archivedate=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 |quote=In December 1993 Southwest Airlines, headed by Herb Kelleher, acquired Morris Air.}}</ref> 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.<ref name=seatimes>{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2009383963_apussouthwesttimeline.html |title=A Timeline of Southwest Airlines at a Glance |agency=Associated Press |authorlink=Associated Press |date=June 25, 2009 |work=seattletimes.com |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vhAqwABL |archivedate=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 |quote=Acquires Morris Air to expand into the Pacific Northwest.}}</ref> One founder of Morris Air, [[David Neeleman]], worked with Southwest for a short period before leaving to found [[WestJet]] and then [[JetBlue Airways]], a competing airline.<ref name=Peterson>{{Cite book |first=Barbara S. |last=Peterson |title=Blue Streak: Inside jetBlue, the Upstart that Rocked an Industry |publisher=Portfolio Hardcover |year=2004 | isbn=1-59184-058-9 }}</ref> |
|||
[[File:Southwest 737-200 N702ML.jpg|thumb|left|[[Boeing 737-200]] in [[Midway Airlines (1976–1991)|Midway Airlines]]/Southwest Airlines hybrid livery in 1991]] |
|||
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 [http://www.iflyswa.com/ Iflyswa.com].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blogsouthwest.com/2006/04/21/luv-and-the-blogoshpere/ |title=LUV and the Blogosphere |author=Brian Lusk |accessdate=June 24, 2007 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070607164649/http://www.blogsouthwest.com/2006/04/21/luv-and-the-blogoshpere/ <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = June 7, 2007}}</ref> Southwest.com is the number one airline website for online revenue, according to [[PhoCusWright]]. [[Nielsen ratings|Nielsen]]/Netratings also reports that Southwest.com is the largest airline site in terms of unique visitors.<ref name=factsheet /> In 2006, 70 percent of flight bookings and 73 percent of revenue was generated from bookings on southwest.com. {{as of|2007|06|df=US}}, 69 percent of Southwest passengers checked in for their flights online or at a [[kiosk]].<ref name=factsheet /> |
|||
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.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.latimes.com/2008/may/30/business/fi-southwest30 | work=Los Angeles Times | first=Peter | last=Pae | title=Hedge on fuel prices pays off | date=May 30, 2008}}</ref> |
|||
At present, Southwest has enjoyed much positive press (and a strong financial boost) from their energy trading skills.<ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/2007-04-19-southwest-posts-first-quarter-profit_N.htm | work=USA Today | title=Southwest Airlines' fuel hedging pushes profits | date=April 19, 2007 | accessdate=May 23, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news| url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/10/20/AR2005102001967.html | work=The Washington Post | title=Airlines That Hedged Against Fuel Costs Reap Benefits | first=David | last=Koenig | date=October 21, 2005 | accessdate=May 23, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Bailey |first=Jeff |url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2007/11/28/business/hedge.php |title=Southwest Airlines gains advantage by hedging on long-term oil contracts – |work=International Herald Tribune |date=November 28, 2007 |accessdate=August 22, 2011}}</ref> However, while most analysts agree that volatility hedges can be beneficial,<ref name="Carlos Blanco 2005">{{Cite news | author=Carlos Blanco | coauthors = J. Lehman and N. Shimoda | title = Airlines Hedging Strategies: The Shareholder Value Perspective | year = 2005 | url = http://www.commodities-now.com/content/market-areas/general/ma-article-8.pdf | accessdate =June 10, 2007}}</ref> speculative hedges are not widely supported as a continuing strategy for profits.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.247wallst.com/2007/04/southwest_airli.html |title=Southwest Airlines: Losing Its Fuel Hedge Competitive Advantages |publisher=24/7 Wall St. |date=April 19, 2007 |accessdate=August 22, 2011}}</ref> |
|||
In March 1996,<ref>Lee, Christopher and Terry Maxon. "[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3D6864504B28B&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Southwest to announce expansion at Love Field $72 million project would add jobs, but no more flights]." ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]''. March 13, 1996. Retrieved on February 18, 2010.</ref> the airline announced that it would begin to build a {{convert|300000|sqft|sqm}} addition to the existing corporate headquarters at a cost of $30 million in 1996 dollars.<ref>"[http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1G1-18934896.html Southwest Airlines expands its corporate headquarters to prepare for the next century;.]{{dead link|date=August 2013}}" ''[[Business Wire]]''. December 11, 1996. Retrieved on February 18, 2010.</ref> This occurred after, on Wednesday March 13, 1996,<!--The day the article was published was Thursday, March 14, 1996--> the [[Dallas City Council]] unanimously voted to allow for the construction.<ref>Maxon, Terry. "[http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3D686A33E9246&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM Council OKs Southwest land lease Headquarters addition, training center planned]." ''[[The Dallas Morning News]]''. March 14, 1996. Retrieved on February 18, 2010.</ref> The airline leased two additional tracts of land, a total of {{convert|10|acre|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 {{convert|5|acre|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. {{convert|120000|sqft|sqm}} of building space, which had a price of $16 million including fixtures, was built, making the headquarters have a total of {{convert|436000|sqft|sqm}}. The airline also leased {{convert|4.8|acre|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 {{convert|24|acre|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.<ref name="ExpandHQTraining"/> |
|||
===2000s=== |
|||
====Repealing the Wright Amendment==== |
|||
[[File:Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-7H4 N231WN.jpg|thumb|A Southwest Airlines [[Boeing 737-700|Boeing 737–700]] landing into [[San Jose International Airport]], 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 [[Saint Louis, Missouri|Saint Louis]], Missouri and [[Kansas City, Missouri|Kansas City]], Missouri quickly started in December 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Date/pages/2005-to-2007 |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: By Date |publisher=Swamedia.com |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=92562&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=917522&highlight= |title=News Releases |publisher=Phx.corporate-ir.net |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
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 stock exchange [[ticker symbol]] (LUV). |
|||
====2008–2009==== |
|||
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%.<ref>Southwest Ecopower Press Release June 11, 2008</ref><ref>Lunsford, J. Lynn. “Airlines Dip Into Hot Water to Save Jet Fuel.” Wall Street Journal. June 11, 2008: B1.</ref> |
|||
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.<ref name="Drew Griffin and Scott Bronstein 2008">{{Cite news | author=Drew Griffin and Scott Bronstein | title = Records: Southwest Airlines flew 'unsafe' planes | url = http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/03/06/southwest.planes/index.html | accessdate =March 6, 2008|publisher=CNN| date=March 7, 2008}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Drew Griffin and Scott Bronstein 2008"/><ref> |
|||
{{cite web|url=http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/biz/5672128.html|title=Inspector: Southwest's FAA ties let planes fly with cracks| work=Houston Chronicle|accessdate=April 3, 2008|last=Ivanovich|first=David}}</ref> |
|||
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 [[Port Authority of New York and New Jersey|New York]] [[LaGuardia Airport]] [[landing slot]]s 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.<ref name=avationweek>{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=news/ATASW11198.xml |title=LaGuardia The Target In Southwest ATA Bid |first=Andrew |last=Compart |date=November 8, 2008 |work=aviationweek.com |publisher=The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vhBqyffO |archivedate=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 |quote=Southwest Airlines has made a $7.5 million bid for ATA Airlines solely in order to obtain the dormant carrier's 14 slots at New York LaGuardia Airport...}}</ref> |
|||
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.<ref>{{Cite news|title= Southwest grounds planes, places three on leave|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2008/US/03/12/southwest.airlines/index.html|author=CNN|accessdate=March 12, 2008 | date=March 12, 2008|authorlink= CNN}}</ref> |
|||
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 $30.2 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.<ref>{{Cite news | author=Jerry Chandler | title = FAA Fines Southwest $7.5M for Safety Issues | year = 2009 | url = http://news.cheapflights.com/airlines/2009/03/faa-fines-southwest-75m-for-safety-issues.html | accessdate =April 1, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
|||
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.<ref name=avweek_frontier>{{cite web |url=http://www.aviationweek.com/aw/generic/story_channel.jsp?channel=comm&id=news/SWFR081009.xml |title=Southwest Offers $170 Million For Frontier |first=Andrew |last=Compart |date=August 10, 2009 |work=aviationweek.com |publisher=The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vhDR09SH |archivedate=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 |quote=Southwest said it submitted a bid of about $170 million for Frontier...}}</ref> 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.<ref name=reuters>{{cite news |url=http://www.reuters.com/article/innovationNews/idUSTRE57D03Z20090814?sp=true Republic wins Frontier auction over Southwest |title=Republic wins Frontier auction over Southwest |first=Deepa |last=Seetharaman |date=August 14, 2009 |agency=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vhDicJYE |archivedate=January 12, 2011 |accessdate=January 12, 2011 |quote=Republic Airways Holdings (RJET.O) won its bid to buy bankrupt Frontier Airlines Holdings Inc FRNTQ.PK for $108.75 million after a day-long auction in bankruptcy court late Thursday.}}</ref> |
|||
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.<ref>{{Cite news | author=NY Times / The Associated Press | title = Southwest faces Tuesday deadline from FAA | year = 2009 | url = http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/09/01/business/AP-US-Southwest-Airlines-FAA.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=southwest%20airlines&st=cse | accessdate =September 1, 2009| work=The New York Times}} {{Dead link|date=August 2010|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref> The FAA is still determining whether it will fine Southwest or its vendor.<ref>{{Cite news | author=Star-Telegram / The Associated Press | title = FAA gives Southwest Airlines until December | year = 2009 | url = http://www.star-telegram.com/news/story/1579432.html | accessdate =September 1, 2009}}{{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> |
|||
===2010s=== |
|||
====AirTran Airways acquisition==== |
|||
[[File:Airtran 737 Taxing For takeoff PWM.jpg|thumb|left|An AirTran Airways [[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737–700]] taxiing at [[Portland Jetport]]]] |
|||
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 onetime 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.<ref name=fg_airtran_acq>{{cite web |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/southwest-closes-airtran-acquisition-356148/ |title=Southwest closes AirTran acquisition |first=Lori |last=Ranson |date=May 2, 2011 |work=Flight International |publisher=Reed Business Information |accessdate=January 20, 2012 |quote=Southwest Airlines today formally closed its acquisition of AirTran Airways, setting the stage for historical consolidation in the US low cost airline industry.}}</ref> |
|||
The purchase adds 25 additional destinations previously not served by Southwest including cities in [[Mexico]], the [[Caribbean]], and [[Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta]], [[Georgia (U.S. state)|Georgia]], an AirTran hub and, at the time 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.<ref name=fg_airtran_acq /> AirTran 737 aircraft are in the process of being converted to Southwest's new evolve interior and canyon blue livery. |
|||
On February 14, 2013, Southwest announced that it had begun [[Codeshare agreement|codesharing]] with AirTran. It took the first step on January 26, 2013 by launching shared itineraries in five markets. Southwest continued to launch shared itineraries with 39 more markets beginning February 25, 2013. As of April 2013, shared itineraries are available for travel between all Southwest and AirTran cities (domestic and international).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://swamedia.com/releases/southwest-airlines-and-airtran-airways-begin-connecting-networks |title=Southwest Airlines And AirTran Airways Begin Connecting Networks - Southwest Airlines Newsroom |publisher=Swamedia.com |date=2013-02-14 |accessdate=2013-06-20}}</ref> In May 2014, it was announced the airlines will be fully integrated by December 29, 2014. <ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/southwest-airlines-announces-new-flights-for-dallas-and-dc-travelers-new-service-to-mexico-city-and-punta-cana-dominican-republic-now-on-sale-2014-05-19?reflink=MW_news_stmp|title=Southwest Airlines Announces New Flights for Dallas and D.C. Travelers|publisher=MarketWatch|date=2014-05-19}}</ref> |
|||
====2011–present==== |
|||
For the tenth year in a row, [[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune magazine]] recognized Southwest Airlines in its annual survey of corporate reputations. Among all industries in 2004, Fortune has listed Southwest Airlines as number three among America’s Top Ten most admired corporations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Category/pages/awards |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: By Category |publisher=Swamedia.com |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
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.<ref name=737max/> |
|||
In January 2012, Southwest Airlines expressed interest in serving Mexican and [[South American]] destinations out of [[Hobby Airport|Hobby]].<ref>Gutierrez, Gabe. "[http://www.khou.com/news/local/Southwest-Airlines-Considering-International-Flights-From-Hobby-138160864.html Southwest Airlines considers international flights from Hobby]." ''[[KHOU]]''. January 26, 2012. Retrieved on January 27, 2012.</ref> On May 30, 2012 Houston's city council approved Southwest's request for international flights from Hobby.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8681485 |title=City Council approves Hobby Airport expansion to allow Southwest international flights; United says it will cut jobs | abc13.com |publisher=Abclocal.go.com |date=May 30, 2012 |accessdate=December 19, 2012}}</ref> Southwest agreed to invest at least $100 million to cover all costs tied to the Hobby upgrade, which includes designing and building five new gates and a customs facility. Construction at Hobby is expected to take two years, with international flights likely beginning in 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/05/30/southwest-houston-idUSL1E8GUAOI20120530?feedName=companyNews&feedType=RSS&rpc=43&type=companyNews |title=Southwest gets Houston's OK for international service |publisher=Reuters |accessdate=December 19, 2012}}</ref> |
|||
On April 11, 2012, Southwest introduced the 737–800 to the fleet. It seats 175 passengers as compared to the regular 143-seater 737-700. The first 737–800 was called "Warrior One"<ref>{{cite web|author=By: Whitney and Brooks |url=http://www.blogsouthwest.com/video/tale-two-planes-our-first-boeing-737-800s |title=take-flight Video | Nuts About Southwest |publisher=Blogsouthwest.com |date=2012-04-28 |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> in salute of the Southwest Employees’ Warrior Spirit. |
|||
<!--People have been putting pointless or non-related info in this section, keep an eye out for anything strange --> |
|||
==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 "If It Matters To You, It Matters To Us". |
|||
[[File:Southwest 737.jpg|left|thumb|A Southwest Airlines [[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737–700]] with [[wingtip device#Blended winglets|blended winglets]] (N741SA) pictured on the tarmac at [[Chicago Midway International Airport]] wearing the airline's original desert gold livery.]] |
|||
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.<ref>"[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51a5xuxxxZQ Malice in Dallas part 1]" "Youtube" Retrieved on October 8, 2009</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.freibergs.com/books/nuts-southwest-airlines-crazy-recipe-for-business-and-personal-success/excerpts/malice-in-dallas/ |title=Malice in Dallas | Kevin & Jackie Freiberg |publisher=Freibergs.com |date=1992-03-23 |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
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.<ref>"[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwU9m4oCtRE& Malice in Dallas (Round 3 and results)]" "Youtube" Retrieved on October 8, 2009</ref> |
|||
==Corporate affairs== |
|||
===Headquarters=== |
|||
[[File:Southwest airlines hq from east 2009-06-22.jpg|thumb|Southwest Airlines headquarters in [[Dallas]]]] |
|||
The Southwest Airlines headquarters is located on the grounds of Dallas Love Field in the [[Love Field, Dallas, Texas (neighborhood)|Love Field]] neighborhood of Dallas, Texas.<ref name=factsheet /><ref>"[http://www.southwest.com/images/photo_gallery/home.jpg Southwest Airlines Corporate Headquarters, Love Field, Dallas]." Southwest Airlines. Retrieved on February 18, 2010.</ref> |
|||
On September 17, 2012, Southwest broke ground on a new Training and Operational Support (TOPS) building.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2012/09/17/southwest-airlines-breaks-ground-on-hq.html |title=Southwest Airlines breaks ground on $100M HQ expansion in Dallas, plans to add 1,000 employees - Dallas Business Journal |publisher=Bizjournals.com |date=September 17, 2012 |accessdate=December 19, 2012}}</ref> 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 could withstand an F3 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 will house 24-hour coordination and maintenance operations, customer support and services, and training. BOKA Powell was the project architect. Manhattan Construction is the general contractor. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2013, with occupancy beginning in 2014. |
|||
===Employment=== |
|||
As of year end 2013, Southwest Airlines has 44,831 employees.<ref>http://southwest.investorroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1859</ref> |
|||
The President and CEO of Southwest Airlines 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]]. |
|||
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swapa.org/ |title=SWAPA |publisher=SWAPA |date=March 27, 2008 |accessdate=August 22, 2011}}</ref> The Aircraft Maintenance Technicians are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association ([[AMFA]]).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amfanatl.org/ |title=AMFA Home |publisher=Amfanatl.org |accessdate=August 22, 2011}}</ref> 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). |
|||
===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.<ref name="upinair">{{cite web|url=http://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/?GCOI=80140100965480|author=Bamber, G.J., Gittell, J.H., Kochan, T.A. & von Nordenflytch, A. |year=2009 |title=Up in the Air: How Airlines Can Improve Performance by Engaging their Employees|publisher=Cornell University Press, Ithaca |chapter=chapter 5}}</ref> 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 Airways|Jetstar]] (although Jetstar now operates three aircraft types), [[Philippines]]'s [[Cebu Pacific]], Thailand's [[Nok Air]], Mexico's [[Volaris]] and [[Turkey|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.<ref name="upinair"/> All these different management strategies can be seen as means of differentiation from other competitors in order to gain competitive advantages.<ref>Strauss, Michael (2010): Value Creation in Travel Distribution, http://www.amazon.com/dp/0557612462</ref> |
|||
===Lobbying Texas rail=== |
|||
Southwest has fought against the development of a [[High-speed rail in the United States#Texas|high-speed rail system in Texas]]. |
|||
In 1991 a plan was made to connect the [[Texas Triangle]] ([[Houston]] – [[Dallas]] – [[San Antonio]]) with a privately financed high speed train system which 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 three 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.<ref name="Texas Department of Transportation">"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</ref> |
|||
==Destinations== |
|||
{{Main|Southwest Airlines destinations}} |
|||
[[File:Southwest Airlines destinations.png|thumb|left|Southwest Airlines Destination Map]] |
|||
{{as of|2014|7||df=US}}, Southwest Airlines operates scheduled service to 89 destinations in 41 states, Puerto Rico and international countries, the newest being [[Sangster International Airport]], [[Lynden Pindling International Airport]], and [[Queen Beatrix International Airport]] on July 1, 2014. |
|||
Southwest does not use the more traditional "[[Spoke-hub distribution paradigm|hub and spoke]]" flight routing system of most other major airlines, preferring instead the "[[Point-to-point transit|Point to Point]]" system. 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. However, at Southwest's focus cities, the percentage of connecting passengers can reach 30 percent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.erau.edu/research/BA590/chapters/ch7.htm |title=Chapter 7: Flight Arrival Flow: Southwest vs. Legacy Carriers |author=Jeremy Sickler |accessdate=June 10, 2007 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070409192200/http://www.erau.edu/research/BA590/chapters/ch7.htm |archivedate = April 9, 2007}}</ref> Recent numbers indicate that the number of connecting passengers is steadily rising.<ref>{{cite web|last=Maxon|first=Terry|title=Factoids from Southwest Airlines’ annual report|url=http://aviationblog.dallasnews.com/2011/02/factoids-from-southwest-airlin.html/|publisher=Dallas News|accessdate=26 February 2013}}</ref> |
|||
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, when servicing Chicago, Southwest uses [[Chicago Midway International Airport]] instead of the larger [[O'Hare International Airport]]. In Houston, Southwest uses [[William P. Hobby Airport]] while most carriers utilize [[George Bush Intercontinental Airport]]. |
|||
===Top served cities=== |
|||
[[File:Southwest Boeing 737 at LAX.jpg|thumb|Southwest approaching gate at [[Los Angeles International Airport|LAX]]]] |
|||
[[File:Southwest 737 At Burbank.jpg|thumb|upright|A Southwest Airlines [[Boeing 737]] parked at a gate at [[Bob Hope Airport]] in [[Burbank, California|Burbank]], California.]] |
|||
<center> |
|||
{| class="toccolours sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse" |
|||
|+ '''Southwest Airlines top served cities (As of December 2013)'''<ref>{{cite web|author=Corporate Fact Sheet |url=http://swamedia.com/channels/Corporate-Fact-Sheet/pages/corporate-fact-sheet#top10 |title=Southwest/AirTran Top Ten Airports by Departures |publisher=Swamedia.com |date=August 2013 |accessdate=2013-06-20}}</ref> |
|||
|- style="background:#f00;" |
|||
!City |
|||
!Daily departures |
|||
!Number of gates |
|||
!Cities served nonstop |
|||
!Service began |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Chicago Midway International Airport|Chicago-Midway]] |
|||
|233 |
|||
|32 |
|||
|64 |
|||
|1985 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[McCarran International Airport|Las Vegas]] |
|||
|210 |
|||
|19 |
|||
|54 |
|||
|1982 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport|Baltimore-Washington]] |
|||
|206 |
|||
|28 |
|||
|57 |
|||
|1993 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Denver International Airport|Denver]] |
|||
|167 |
|||
|19 |
|||
|56 |
|||
|2006 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[William P. Hobby Airport|Houston (Hobby)]] |
|||
|161 |
|||
|19 |
|||
|45 |
|||
|1971 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|Phoenix]] |
|||
|162 |
|||
|24 |
|||
|46 |
|||
|1982 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport|Atlanta]] |
|||
|165 |
|||
|31 |
|||
|44 |
|||
|2012 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Dallas Love Field|Dallas (Love Field)]] |
|||
|124 |
|||
|15 |
|||
|18 |
|||
|1971 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Orlando International Airport|Orlando]] |
|||
|120 |
|||
|20 |
|||
|43 |
|||
|1998 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Los Angeles International Airport|Los Angeles (LAX)]] |
|||
|107 |
|||
|15 |
|||
|23 |
|||
|1982 |
|||
|} |
|||
</center> |
|||
===International service=== |
|||
Southwest's first approach to international service came on April 19, 2012 when they signed a contract with the [[Amadeus IT Group]] which will initiate in 2014. This contract will give the airline the capability to begin flying to destinations outside of the United States. Before this contract was signed, Southwest's reservation system did not have the ability to serve international destinations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swamedia.com/releases/b3cfcefe-eea6-4b8b-90d3-df15bc52a5db |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: Releases |publisher=Swamedia.com |date=2012-04-19 |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> Southwest debuted the international reservation system on January 27, 2014 followed by the first international flights which began on July 1, 2014 to [[Queen Beatrix International Airport|Aruba (AUA)]], [[Sangster International Airport|Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)]] and [[Lynden Pindling International Airport|Nassau, Bahamas (NAS)]]. |
|||
Through the integration of AirTran, by the end of 2014, Southwest will add service to [[Queen Beatrix International Airport|Aruba (AUA)]], [[Cancun International Airport|Cancun, Mexico (CUN)]], [[Mexico City International Airport|Mexico City, Mexico (MEX)]], [[Sangster International Airport|Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)]], [[Lynden Pindling International Airport|Nassau, Bahamas (NAS)]], [[Punta Cana International Airport|Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)]] and [[Los Cabos International Airport|San Jose Cabo, Mexico (SJD)]]. |
|||
==Airline partnerships== |
|||
;Past |
|||
* [[Icelandair]] |
|||
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.<ref>{{Cite news | author=Rob Kaiser | title = Southwest may add cities to Iceland deal | publisher=Baltimore Business Journal | date = February 21, 1997 | url = http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/1997/02/24/story6.html?page=1 | accessdate =June 10, 2007}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2007/12/10/daily11.html|title=Icelandair stopping flights out of BWI|publisher=bizjournals.com|date=December 10, 2007|first=Robert J.|last=Terry}}</ref> |
|||
* [[ATA Airlines]] |
|||
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, [[Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport|Washington, D.C.]], and [[LaGuardia Airport|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swamedia.com/releases/e89b5d36-734b-55cc-c781-936d4b4663a0?search=ata+airlines |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: Releases |publisher=Swamedia.com |date=2008-04-03 |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
* [[WestJet Airlines]] |
|||
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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/DN-westjet_09bus.ART0.State.Edition1.4dd5531.html |title=Southwest, WestJet sign code-sharing pact |publisher=[[The Dallas Morning News]] |date=July 9, 2008| accessdate=August 22, 2009}}{{dead link|date=August 2013}}</ref> Originally, the partnership was to be finalized by late 2009, but had been postponed due to economic conditions.<ref name=WestJet_delay>{{Cite news|url=http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssAirlines/idUSBNG49051220090525 |title=Southwest, WestJet delay codeshare |agency=Reuters |date=May 25, 2009| accessdate=August 22, 2009}}</ref> |
|||
On April 16, 2010, Southwest and WestJet airlines amicably agreed to terminate the implementation of a codeshare agreement between the two airlines. |
|||
* [[Volaris]] |
|||
Southwest announced its second international [[codeshare agreement]] on November 10, 2008, with [[Mexico|Mexican]] low-cost carrier [[Volaris]]. The agreement allowed Southwest to sell tickets on Volaris flights.<ref>{{cite web|author=Your name: * |url=http://www.blogsouthwest.com/news/swa-to-offer-online-link-to-volaris-service-on-southwestcom |title=Swa To Offer Online Link To Volaris Service On Southwest.Com | Nuts About Southwest |publisher=Blogsouthwest.com |date=April 30, 2009 |accessdate=August 22, 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/southwest-and-volaris-to-end-partnership-382084/ |title=Southwest and Volaris to end partnership |publisher=Flightglobal.com |date=2013-02-07 |accessdate=2013-06-20}}</ref> |
|||
===Codeshare agreements=== |
|||
Southwest does not participate in any major global [[airline alliance]]s, but the airline has a [[codeshare agreement]] with [[AirTran Airways]]. The agreement started only after Southwest acquired AirTran. |
|||
==Fleet== |
|||
===Current fleet=== |
|||
As of June 2014, the Southwest Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft. The average fleet age is 11.3 years.<ref name=fleet_swa>{{cite web|url=http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/Southwest-Airlines |title=Southwest Airlines – Details and Fleet History – Planespotters.net Just Aviation |publisher=Planespotters.net |accessdate=October 6, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Corp Fact Sheet 1Q13.pdf |url=http://swamedia.com/channels/Corporate-Fact-Sheet/pages/corporate-fact-sheet |title=Southwest Corporate Fact Sheet - Corporate Fact Sheet - Southwest Airlines Newsroom |publisher=swamedia.com |accessdate=2013-10-06}}</ref><ref name=fleet_airtran>{{cite web|url=http://www.planespotters.net/Airline/AirTran-Airways |title=AirTran Airways – Details and Fleet History – Planespotters.net Just Aviation |publisher=Planespotters.net |accessdate=October 5, 2013}}</ref> |
|||
<center> |
|||
{| class="toccolours sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse;text-align:center" |
|||
|- style="background:#f00;" |
|||
|+ '''Southwest Airlines Fleet''' |
|||
|- style="background:#f00;" |
|||
!style="width:125px;" |Aircraft |
|||
!In Service |
|||
!Orders |
|||
![[Option (aircraft purchasing)|Options]] |
|||
!Passengers |
|||
!class=unsortable|Notes |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Boeing 737-300]] |
|||
|122 |
|||
|— |
|||
|— |
|||
|137<br>143 |
|||
|Some retrofitted with [[Glass cockpit|electronic flight decks]]<br>Retirements 2016 - 2020<ref>http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/southwest-outlines-retirement-plan-for-older-737s-398082/</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Boeing 737-500]] |
|||
|15 |
|||
|— |
|||
|— |
|||
|122 |
|||
|Retired by 2016 |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Boeing 737-700]] |
|||
|396 |
|||
|47 |
|||
|36 |
|||
|143<!--737-700 orders per linked SWA Media reference below--> |
|||
|Options convertible to -800 series. |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Boeing 737-800]] |
|||
|65 |
|||
|55 |
|||
|— |
|||
|175 |
|||
|All to be retrofitted with Split Scimitar Winglets<ref>http://www.sacbee.com/2014/01/02/6041162/southwest-airlines-orders-aviation.html{{dead link|date=May 2014}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 7]] |
|||
|— |
|||
|30 |
|||
|— |
|||
|<abbr title="To Be Announced">TBA</abbr> |
|||
|Scheduled to enter service in 2019<ref>{{cite news|title=Southwest Launches 737 MAX 7, Converts 30 737 NG Orders|url=http://www.nycaviation.com/2013/05/southwest-launches-737-max-7-converts-30-737-ng-orders/#.UZP1XCt4Z8s|accessdate=May 15, 2013}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Boeing 737 MAX|Boeing 737 MAX 8]] |
|||
|— |
|||
|170 |
|||
|191 |
|||
|<abbr title="To Be Announced">TBA</abbr> |
|||
|Scheduled to enter service in 2017<ref>{{cite news|title=Southwest converts 20 737s to Max|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/southwest-converts-20-737s-to-max-392703/}}</ref> |
|||
|- |
|||
!Total |
|||
!598 |
|||
!303 |
|||
!227 |
|||
! |
|||
! |
|||
|} |
|||
</center> |
|||
Southwest is the world's largest operator of the Boeing 737.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2006/q1/060213b_nr.html |title=Boeing Delivers the 5,000th 737 to Southwest Airlines |date=February 13, 2006 |publisher=The Boeing Company |accessdate=January 25, 2012}}</ref> |
|||
After completing the purchase of AirTran Airways, Southwest Airlines added AirTran's existing fleet of 737-700 aircraft to its fleet. However, the 717s acquired through AirTran will not be added to Southwest's fleet. Instead, they will be retired and transferred to [[Delta Air Lines]] until the end of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://swamedia.com/releases/94d61d50-288f-4cd2-b2b1-a5079c3d2922 |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: Releases |publisher=Swamedia.com |accessdate=December 19, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://worldairlinenews.com/2012/07/09/delta-to-add-boeing-717s-in-2013-replacing-smaller-jets/ |title=Delta to add Boeing 717s in 2013, replacing smaller jets |publisher=worldairlinenews.com |accessdate=October 5, 2013}}</ref> |
|||
Newer Boeing 737-300 variants are being upgraded with retrofitted electronic flight decks and [[wingtip device|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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.boeing.com/news/releases/2008/q4/081222a_nr.html |title=Boeing Press Release December 22, 2008 |publisher=Boeing.com |date=December 22, 2008 |accessdate=August 22, 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.aviationpartnersboeing.com/news/pdf/pr/2006/SouthwestAir.pdf]{{dead link|date=August 2011}}</ref> |
|||
On December 15, 2010, Southwest announced a plan to add the [[Boeing 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://swamedia.com/releases/117bc41b-4dae-44b6-aa05-21d006b390b0 |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: Releases |publisher=Swamedia.com |date=2012-03-21 |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> All-800s include the Boeing Sky Interior, and all Southwest owned −800s are equipped with ETOPS capability.<ref name=738march>{{cite news |title=Southwest to take delivery of first 737–800 in March 2012 |author=Lori Ranson |url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/southwest-to-take-delivery-of-first-737-800-in-march-2012-350977 |publisher=Flightglobal |date=December 15, 2010 |accessdate=January 25, 2012}}</ref> |
|||
On December 13, 2011, Southwest placed a firm order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, becoming the launch customer for the type. First delivery is expected in 2017.<ref name=737max/> All 737 MAX 8 aircraft will include the Boeing Sky Interior.<ref name=737max>{{cite web |url=http://www.swamedia.com/releases/7b1c6522-daf8-40be-98d4-ce354aa974d3 |title=Southwest Airlines Will Become Launch Customer for the New Boeing 737 Max Aircraft |date=December 13, 2011 |publisher=Southwest Airlines |accessdate=January 26, 2012}}</ref> |
|||
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. They also announced an agreement to purchase ten pre-owned 737-700s from WestJet for delivery in 2014 and 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=Southwest Airlines Returns Value To Shareholders|url=http://swamedia.com/releases/southwest-airlines-returns-value-to-shareholders|accessdate=May 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Southwest Airlines hikes dividend, buys used 737s from WestJet|url=http://business.financialpost.com/2013/05/15/southwest-airlines-hikes-dividend-buys-used-737s-from-westjet/|date=May 15, 2013|accessdate=May 16, 2013}}</ref> |
|||
===Fleet history=== |
|||
<center> |
|||
{| class="toccolours sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse" |
|||
|+ '''Southwest Airlines Fleet History''' |
|||
|- style="background:#f00;" |
|||
!Aircraft |
|||
!Introduction |
|||
!Retired |
|||
!Replacement(s) |
|||
!class="unsortable"|Notes |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[727-200|Boeing 727–200]] |
|||
|1979 |
|||
|1987 |
|||
|[[737-200|Boeing 737–200]] |
|||
|Leased from [[Braniff International]] and [[People Express Airlines]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[737-200|Boeing 737–200]] |
|||
|1971 |
|||
|2005 |
|||
|[[Boeing 737-700|Boeing 737–700]] |
|||
|Southwest's first aircraft type |
|||
|} |
|||
</center> |
|||
===Livery=== |
|||
[[File:Southwest-Airlines-B737-N540SW.jpg|thumb|left|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 [http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0111301/M/ 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.[http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0111315/M/ N20SW]. |
|||
[[File:SouthwestNewLivery.jpg|thumb|right|Current ''canyon blue'' livery used from 2001–present]] |
|||
Southwest introduced the current canyon blue [[Aircraft livery|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; however, The Colleen Barrett Classic (N714CB), The Herbert D. Kelleher One (N711HK), & The Metallic Gold One (N792SW), which are Boeing 737–700 aircraft, retain the original desert gold livery. |
|||
===Special liveries=== |
|||
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 have white painted blended winglets with the exception of Warrior One which added the split scimitar winglet in May 2014. <ref name=factsheet /> |
|||
<center> |
|||
{| class="toccolours sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse" |
|||
|+ '''Southwest Airlines Special Liveries'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Category/pages/specialty-aircraft |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: By Category |publisher=Swamedia.com |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
|- style="background:#f00;" |
|||
!Name |
|||
!Year |
|||
!Description |
|||
!Registration |
|||
!Photo |
|||
|- |
|||
|2,000th & 5,000th 737 produced |
|||
|2006 |
|||
|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. |
|||
|2,000th (N248WN), 5,000th (N230WN) |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|35th Anniversary |
|||
| |
|||
|Combined the original primary livery with the current canyon blue livery. |
|||
|N238WN |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|500th 737 |
|||
|2007 |
|||
|Southwest received their 500th 737 on June 28, 2007. This aircraft is marked to honor this milestone. |
|||
|N281WN |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|Arizona One |
|||
|1994 |
|||
|The flag of the state of [[Arizona]] applied across the aircraft. |
|||
|N383SW |
|||
|[[File:Arizona One at PDX.jpg|thumb]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|California One |
|||
|1995 |
|||
|The flag of the state of California applied across the aircraft. |
|||
|N609SW |
|||
|[[File:Southwest "California One" Livery.jpg|thumb]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|Charles E. Taylor One |
|||
|2007 |
|||
|Named in honor of Charles E. Taylor, the first aviation mechanic that built the first aircraft engine that the Wright Brothers used on their flyer. |
|||
|N289CT |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|Colleen Barrett Classic/Heroine of The Heart |
|||
|2008 |
|||
|Named in tribute to Colleen Barrett, the company's former Executive Vice President. |
|||
|N714CB, N266WN |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|Colorado One |
|||
|2012 |
|||
|The flag of the state of Colorado is painted across the aircraft. This aircraft is also the 5,000th 737 produced. |
|||
|N230WN |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|Florida One |
|||
|2010 |
|||
|The flag of the state of Florida applied across the aircraft. |
|||
|N945WN |
|||
|[[File:Southwest Florida 737.jpg|thumb]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|The Fred J. Jones |
|||
|1984 |
|||
|In honor of Fred J. Jones, one of Southwest's original employees.<ref>Southwest Airlines Newsroom: By Date<!-- Bot generated title --></ref> 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. |
|||
|N201LV |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|Green Plane |
|||
|2009 |
|||
|Served as a test plane for new environmentally responsible materials and customer comfort products. When combined, the initiatives equated to a weight savings of about five pounds per seat, saving fuel and reducing emissions, along with adding recyclable elements to the cabin interior and reducing waste. The plane also included a decal rendition of the Southwest corporate logo in green on the side of the plane. |
|||
|N222WN |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|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 |
|||
|[[File:Southwest Airlines Illinois One Livery.jpg|thumb]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|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 |
|||
|[[File:Southwest 737 Lonestar One.jpg|thumb]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|Maryland One |
|||
|2005 |
|||
|The flag of the state of [[Maryland]] applied across the aircraft. |
|||
|N214WN |
|||
|[[File:Southwest Maryland 737.JPG|thumb]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|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 |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|Penguin One |
|||
|2013 |
|||
|To commemorate the 25th year of Southwest Airlines' partnership with [[SeaWorld]], an aircraft is painted with penguins and advertisements for SeaWorld. |
|||
|N280WN |
|||
|[[File:N280WN 21Mar14a.jpg|thumb]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Shamu (SeaWorld show)|Shamu]] |
|||
|1998 |
|||
|Two aircraft are painted to look like an [[Orca]], with advertisements for [[SeaWorld]].{{ref|1|1}} |
|||
|N713SW, N715SW |
|||
|[[File:Southwest 737-3H4 N334SW BWI Shamu.jpg|thumb]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|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 [http://www.airliners.net/photo/Southwest-Airlines/Boeing-737-7H4/0953359/L (N224WN)]. |
|||
|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 |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|{{nowrap|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 −300 in the fleet, followed by N301SW and N302SW |
|||
|N300SW, N301SW, N302SW |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|Spirit One |
|||
|2001 |
|||
|30th Anniversary aircraft, first aircraft in 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.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Southwest Paints Swimsuit Model on Plane |work=PopSci.com.au |date=February 12, 2009 |url=http://www.popsci.com.au/military-aviation-amp-space/article/2009-02/southwest-paints-swimsuit-model-plane |accessdate =February 12, 2009}}</ref> |
|||
|N922WN |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|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, and later 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) |
|||
|N912WN |
|||
| |
|||
|- |
|||
|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 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 |
|||
|[[File:Southwest Triple Crown.jpg|thumb]] |
|||
|- |
|||
|Warrior One |
|||
|2012 |
|||
|Named in salute of the Southwest Employees' Warrior Spirit, and was the first Boeing 737–800 to enter Southwest service. |
|||
|N8301J |
|||
| |
|||
|} |
|||
</center> |
|||
;Notes |
|||
* {{note|1|1}}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 repainted in canyon blue colors. In 2013, N334SW was retired, leaving two Shamu aircraft. The artwork on the nose of each aircraft states "Shamu" plus the overhead bins on the aircraft display ads for Sea World. |
|||
==Products and services== |
|||
===Southwest experience=== |
|||
[[File:SWAgate.jpg|thumb|Southwest operates using a unique boarding process]] |
|||
Southwest offers free in-flight non-alcoholic beverages with alcoholic beverages available as well for a price. Southwest is also one of the few airlines to offer [[Dr Pepper]] as a beverage option.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southwest.com/html/customer-service/inflight-experience/menu.html |title=Inflight Menu |publisher=Southwest.com |date=2011-08-31 |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
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.<ref> |
|||
{{Cite news| author=David Grossman| title = I don't hate Southwest anymore|work=USA Today| date = October 17, 2005| url = http://www.usatoday.com/travel/columnist/grossman/2005-10-14-grossman_x.htm| accessdate =June 10, 2007}}</ref> |
|||
Southwest maintains excellent customer satisfaction ratings; for many years, according to the [[United States Department of Transportation|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. |
|||
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.<ref name="abcnews">{{cite web|last=Lollis |first=Barbara De |url=http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/story?id=3624856&page=1#.UEEvWkLT0fM |title=Southwest to Change Boarding Process - ABC News |publisher=Abcnews.go.com |date=September 19, 2007 |accessdate=December 19, 2012}}</ref> In 2007, Southwest modified their boarding procedure by introducing a number. Each passenger receives a letter (A, B or C) and a number 1 thru 60. Passengers line up in numerical order within each letter group.<ref name="abcnews" /> |
|||
===In-flight entertainment=== |
|||
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 [[Row 44]]'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. All 737-700s and -800s are now equipped with Wi-Fi, streaming live television and video on demand.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.southwest.com/wifi/?int=GFOOTER-PRODUCTS-WIFI |title=WiFi Access – Southwest Airlines |publisher=Southwest.com |accessdate=2012-02-28}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Vargo |first=Angela |url=http://www.blogsouthwest.com/video/tv-and-movies-demand-wifis-got-it |title=Video | Nuts About Southwest |publisher=Blogsouthwest.com |date=2013-02-19 |accessdate=2013-06-20}}</ref> |
|||
===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 and -800s and select 737-300s now have the evolve interior. A total of 78 737-300s will be retrofited with evolve and Southwest expects to finish this by the end of 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://swamedia.com/releases/81d1c4d0-f352-42e8-94ef-fa38c179fad5?search=evolve |title=Southwest Airlines Newsroom: Releases |publisher=Swamedia.com |date=2012-01-17 |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> Though not originally planned, because of space saved, Southwest was able to fit an extra row of seats on its planes. |
|||
==Rapid Rewards== |
|||
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.<ref name=company_club>{{cite web |url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Date/pages/1985-to-1989 |title=1985 to 1989 |year=2011 |work=swamedia.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vfEfYJoF |archivedate=January 11, 2011 |accessdate=January 11, 2011 |quote=...Southwest introduces "The Company Club," a frequent flyer program based on total trips flown, regardless of distance...}}</ref> Southwest Airlines renamed its frequent flyer program '''Rapid Rewards''' on April 25, 1996.<ref name=rr_name>{{cite web |url=http://www.swamedia.com/channels/By-Date/pages/1995-to-1997 |title=1995 to 1997 |year=2011 |work=swamedia.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vfEDlww7 |archivedate=January 11, 2011 |accessdate=January 11, 2011 |quote="Rapid Rewards" officially takes the place of "The Company Club" as the new name for our frequent flier program.}}</ref> |
|||
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.<ref name=rr_old_rules>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwest.com/rapid_rewards/rules_and_regs.html |title=Rapid Rewards Membership Rules |date=August 2, 2010 |work=southwest.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vfAj0Car |archivedate=January 11, 2011 |accessdate=January 11, 2011 |quote=One credit will be given for each Southwest Airlines flight flown.}}</ref> Beginning March 1, 2011, Rapid Rewards changed to a points system based on ticket cost.<ref name=rr_pr>{{cite web |url=http://swamedia.com/releases/e7b3eef4-9551-7110-d957-0d004d252569 |title=Southwest Airlines Introduces The All-New Rapid Rewards Program! |date=2011-01-05 |work=swamedia.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vfAIpWvU |archivedate=January 11, 2011 |accessdate=January 11, 2011 |quote=...Rapid Rewards program, the carrier’s frequent flyer program...}}</ref> Members earn and redeem points based on a three-tier fare scale multiplier and the cost of the ticket.<ref name=rr_new>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwest.com/newRR/redeemPoints.do |title=Redeem Points |year=2011 |work=southwest.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vfBDpOCb |archivedate=January 11, 2011 |accessdate=January 11, 2010 |quote=Lower fares require fewer points.}}</ref> |
|||
Customers could 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 Inc.|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.<ref name=rr_partners>{{cite web |url=http://www.southwest.com/rapid_rewards/preferred_partners.html#cars |title=Rapid Rewards Partners |year=2010 |work=southwest.com |publisher=Southwest Airlines Co |archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5vfCNeCFG |archivedate=January 11, 2011 |accessdate=January 11, 2011 |quote=Learn how to receive Rapid Rewards credit through our Partners!}}</ref> |
|||
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.<ref>{{cite web|last=Green |first=Ryan |url=https://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/introducing-all-new-rapid-rewards-blog-post |title=Blog | Nuts About Southwest |publisher=Blogsouthwest.com |accessdate=2013-07-29}}</ref> |
|||
==Incidents and accidents== |
|||
[[File:Southwest Airlines Flight 1248 -1.jpg|thumb|right|[[Southwest Airlines Flight 1248]] runway overrun at [[Chicago Midway International Airport]] ]] |
|||
Southwest Airlines has never had any passengers on board die as a result of a crash. Southwest Airlines incidents include 2 deaths (1 non-passenger death on the ground, 1 passenger homicide in the air) and 8 accidents (including 1 aircraft hull-loss). The airline was considered amongst the 10 safest in the world in 2012.<ref name="In depth: World's 10 Safest Airlines">{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.terminalu.com/travel-features/in-depth-worlds-10-safest-airlines-your-questions-answered/15229/|title=In depth: World's Safest Airlines |accessdate=15 July 2012}}</ref> |
|||
{| class="toccolours sortable" border="1" cellpadding="3" style="border-collapse:collapse; clear:right;" |
|||
|+ '''Southwest Airlines incidents and accidents''' |
|||
|- style="background:#f00;" |
|||
!Flight |
|||
!Date |
|||
!Aircraft |
|||
!Location |
|||
!Description |
|||
!Injuries |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Southwest Airlines Flight 1455|1455]] |
|||
|March 5, 2000 |
|||
|[[Boeing 737 Classic|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.<ref name="NTSB Summary Report">{{cite web |
|||
|url=http://www.ntsb.gov/doclib/reports/2002/AAB0204.pdf|title=NTSB Summary Report}}</ref> The incident resulted in the dismissal of the pilots. The aircraft was damaged beyond repair. This incident is the only [[Aviation accidents and incidents|hull-loss accident]] in the 40+ year history of the airline. |
|||
|43 injuries |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Southwest Airlines Flight 1763|1763]] |
|||
|August 11, 2000 |
|||
|Boeing 737 |
|||
|In flight |
|||
|Passenger Jonathan Burton broke through the cockpit door aboard Southwest Airlines Flight 1763 while en route from [[Las Vegas metropolitan area|Las Vegas]] to [[Salt Lake City]]. In their own defense, the other passengers restrained Burton, who later died of the resulting injuries.<ref>{{cite web|title= Police report |url= http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/southwest1.html|author=[[Salt Lake City]] police |accessdate=June 22, 2007}}</ref> |
|||
|1 death |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Southwest Airlines Flight 1248|1248]] |
|||
|December 8, 2005 |
|||
|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]] |
|||
|[[Chicago|Chicago, Illinois]] |
|||
|The aircraft 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|2294]] |
|||
|July 13, 2009 |
|||
|[[Boeing 737 Classic|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|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.<ref>{{Cite news|title= Jet makes landing with football-sized hole |url= http://edition.cnn.com/2009/US/07/13/us.jetliner.damaged/index.html|author=Shawn Nottingham, Stephanie Gallman |accessdate=July 14, 2009|date=July 14, 2009|publisher=CNN}}</ref> |
|||
|None |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Southwest Airlines Flight 812| 812]] |
|||
|April 1, 2011 |
|||
|[[Boeing 737 Classic|Boeing 737-300]] |
|||
|[[Yuma, Arizona]] |
|||
|The flight from [[Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport|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.<ref>{{cite news|title=Six foot hole opens in 737 during flight|url=http://www.king5.com/news/Southwest-flight-to-Phoenix-diverted-to-Yuma-119100294.html|agency=Associated Press|accessdate=April 1, 2011|publisher=AP / KING 5}}</ref> |
|||
|2 minor injuries |
|||
|- |
|||
|[[Southwest Airlines Flight 345|345]] |
|||
|July 22, 2013 |
|||
|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]] N753SW |
|||
|[[New York, 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."<ref name="ABCNews26July2013">{{cite news|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/southwest-planes-nose-gear-landed-ntsb/story?id=19779137|title=Southwest Plane's Nose Gear Landed [First], NTSB Says|author=Stark, Lisa |work=ABCNews.go.com|publisher=[[ABC News]]|date=July 26, 2013|accessdate=August 29, 2013}}</ref> The [[Boeing]] 737 traveled {{convert|633|m|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.<ref>{{cite news|author=Allen, Jonathan|title=U.S. probes Southwest Air's LaGuardia landing|date=July 23, 2013|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-plane-newyork-20130722,0,6138638.story|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|accessdate=August 29, 2013|agency=Reuters}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=CBS/AP|date=July 24, 2013 |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57595233/southwest-airlines-flight-345s-nose-gear-collapsed-rearward-ntsb-says/ |title=Southwest Airlines Flight 345's nose gear "collapsed rearward," NTSB says |publisher=CBSNews.com |accessdate=August 29, 2013}}</ref> Damage to the 13-year-old aircraft is substantial<ref name="NTSB6August2013">NTSB Press Release (August 6, 2013). [http://www.ntsb.gov/news/2013/130806.html "NTSB issues second investigative update on Southwest Airlines accident in New York"]. ''NTSB.gov''. Retrieved August 29, 2013.</ref> and it is unclear whether it will be repaired or written off upon release from NTSB jurisdiction. According to airfleets.net and Southwest Airlines 2013 Annual Report to Shareholders, the plane was written off. |
|||
|10 minor injuries |
|||
<!-- Please do not add the June 10, 2013 Flight 2675 which landed in Phoenix after a bomb scare. Since no bomb was found, this should be treated as a hoax, rather than an incident --> |
|||
|- |
|||
|4013 |
|||
|January 12, 2014 |
|||
|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]] |
|||
|[[Hollister, Missouri]] |
|||
| The flight from [[Chicago Midway International Airport]] accidentally landed at [[M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport]] instead of [[Branson Airport]]. The aircraft departed Clark safely the following day bound for Tulsa, Oklahoma and landed there without further incident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/feds-probing-why-southwest-plane-landed-at-wrong-airport/|title=Southwest plane that landed at wrong airport gets back in the air|date=January 13, 2014|publisher=[[CBS News]]}}</ref> |
|||
|None |
|||
|- |
|||
|1388 |
|||
|June 18, 2014 |
|||
|[[Boeing 737 Next Generation|Boeing 737-700]] |
|||
|[[Tampa Bay, Florida]] |
|||
|The flight from [[Tampa International Airport|Tampa Bay]] to [[William P. Hobby Airport|Houston]] had to turn around and land in Tampa Bay after colliding with a flock of birds causing minor wing damage.<ref>{{cite news|title=AIN Detail Report|url=http://www.asias.faa.gov/pls/apex/f?p=100:95:0::NO::P95_EVENT_LCL_DATE,P95_LOC_CITY_NAME,P95_REGIST_NBR:18-JUN-14,TAMPA,SWA%201388%20%20REG%20UNKN|date=June 30, 2014|publisher=Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS)}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Plane returns to TIA after hitting birds|url=http://tbo.com/news/crime/plane-returns-to-tia-after-hitting-birds-20140618/|date=June 18, 2014|first=José|last=Patiño Girona|publisher=[[The Tampa Tribune]]}}</ref> |
|||
|None |
|||
|} |
|||
==Controversies== |
|||
{{See also|Kevin smith#2010 Southwest Airlines incident|l1=Kevin Smith feud with Southwest Airlines|Access Now v. 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 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 who were criticized.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Southwest disciplines pilot for rant during flight|url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/22/airline.pilot.rant/ | work=CNN | date=June 23, 2011}} CNN Travel – Retrieved June 22, 2011</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Southwest Airlines Pilot's Rant – Transcript, Here's What He Said|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20110628012804/http://www.sure-start.com/southwest-airlines-pilots-rant-transcript-heres-what-he-said/3675417/}} Sure Start Consumer News, at ''web.archive.org.'' Retrieved August 29, 2013.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Southwest Airlines Pilot Broadcasts Hate For Flight Attendants Over ATC Radio – Raw Audio File|url=http://aviationnewstoday.com/2011/06/22/southwest-airlines-pilot-broadcasts-hate-for-flight-attendants-over-atc-radio-raw-audio-file/}} Aviation News Today – Retrieved June 22, 2011</ref> |
|||
==See also== |
|||
{{Portal|Dallas-Fort Worth|Companies|Aviation}} |
|||
* [[Air transportation in the United States]] |
|||
* Southwest Airlines [[State Fair Classic]] |
|||
* [[Transportation in the United States]] |
|||
* [[The Southwest Effect]] |
|||
{{-}} |
|||
==References== |
|||
{{Reflist|30em}} |
|||
<!-- these need to be incorporated into references or removed |
|||
* [http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Southwest_Airlines/information.php Southwest Airlines Seating Charts on SeatGuru.com] |
|||
* [http://www.airfleets.net/ageflotte/?file=calcop&opp=Southwest%20Airlines Southwest Airlines Fleet Age] |
|||
* [http://finance.yahoo.com/q?s=LUV&d=t Southwest Airlines' Yahoo! Finance Profile] |
|||
* [http://www.startupstudio.com/southwest-airlines-founder-herb-kelleher/podcasts/2007/01/19/ StartupStudio – Interview with Herb Kelleher on the founding of Southwest Airlines, recommendations for entrepreneurs and rule of thumb for raising venture funding] |
|||
--> |
|||
==External links== |
|||
{{Commons|Southwest Airlines}} |
|||
* [http://www.southwest.com/ Southwest Airlines official website] |
|||
* [http://mobile.southwest.com/ Southwest mobile site] |
|||
* [http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.iflyswa.com Iflyswa.com] (Official website archive) |
|||
* [http://www.swamedia.com/ Southwest Airlines Media Website] |
|||
* [http://www.blogsouthwest.com/ Nuts About Southwest – Southwest Airlines' official blog] |
|||
* [http://www.southwestvacations.com/ Southwest Vacations] |
|||
{{Navbox Airlines of the United States}} |
|||
{{Air Transport Association}} |
|||
{{Dow Jones Transportation Average}} |
|||
[[Category:Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange]] |
|||
[[Category:Airlines based in Texas]] |
|||
[[Category:Airlines established in 1971]] |
|||
[[Category:Low-cost airlines]] |
|||
[[Category:Air Transport Association members]] |
|||
[[Category:Companies based in Dallas, Texas]] |
|||
[[Category:Southwest Airlines]] |
|||
[[Category:Airlines of the United States]] |
|||
[[Category:Companies in the Dow Jones Transportation Average]] |
|||
{{Link GA|ja}} |
Revision as of 22:42, 8 July 2014
Redirect to: