Category: Texas News (Page 1 of 5)

Southwest Airlines expand technical operations facility In Phoenix

February 19, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas, February, 2024 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is celebrating the completion of a multi-year, $100 million project, which nearly doubles the size of the airline’s maintenance hangar at Phoenix Sky Harbor. The 90,000-square foot expansion adds three new aircraft bays to the facility, allowing the airline to work on up to five aircraft simultaneously and brings more maintenance shops to support the nearly 500 Southwest® Technical Operations Employees based at Sky Harbor. The project also included a larger facility for members of the airline’s Provisioning and Ground Support Equipment Maintenance Teams that opened in 2020.

The expanded hangar has also achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver certification. The expansion incorporated sustainable design features including the use of recycled content in over 30% of the building materials; the installation of high-reflectance roof and surrounding paving materials to reduce heat island effect; and the selection of building products from manufacturers with verified environmental performance.

Southwest Airlines® first opened a Technical Operations base at Sky Harbor in 1986. In 1993, the airline moved into a new maintenance hangar facility to support its growth throughout the western half of the United States. Today, the carrier’s Phoenix-based Technical Operations Teams accept new aircraft deliveries to prepare them to enter revenue service and maintain aircraft as part of daily and scheduled maintenance programs.

In addition to Phoenix, Southwest operates hangar facilities in Atlanta, Chicago (Midway), Dallas (Love Field), Denver, Houston (Hobby), and Orlando. Construction is underway on a new hangar facility at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, which is anticipated to open in 2025.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

American Airlines & World Series champion Texas Rangers partner

February 14, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Fort Worth, Texas, January 14, 2024 – American Airlines Group (Nasdaq: AAL) is teaming up with the reigning World Champions, the Texas Rangers. The multiyear deal taps American as the Official and Exclusive Airline and Airline Rewards Program of the Texas Rangers and includes additional marketing and sponsorship benefits that will engage fans in the community and beyond.

The collaboration will extend beyond the diamond, offering fans unique opportunities to travel to the games and enjoy exclusive perks. From throwing out the first pitch at a game and suite seats to once-in-a-lifetime meet-and-greets with popular players, American is set to enhance the fan experience and bring them closer to the action.

The only way to unlock access to these experiences is by becoming an AAdvantage® member. Fans who are U.S. residents, ages 18 and over, can sign up once daily at aa.com/RangersPerks for a chance to win that specific prize. Not an AAdvantage® member? Sign up.

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American Airlines partners with Texas Rangers

Forward-Looking Statements

Southwest Airlines pilots approve new contract

January 22, 2024 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas, January 22, 2024 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today its Pilots, represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), overwhelmingly approved a new collective bargaining agreement.

The five-year agreement covers nearly 11,000 Southwest® Pilots, and provides them with industry-leading compensation, modified scheduling practices, and quality-of-life enhancements, including paid maternity and parental leave, with an opportunity for an additional extended bonding leave. In addition, the contract maintains Southwest’s operational advantages, including a new process for recovering our Pilot network, if needed.

Since October 2022, nine union-represented workgroups have ratified new agreements:

Appearance Technicians
Customer Service Agents, Customer Representatives, and Source of Support Representatives
Dispatchers
Facilities Maintenance Technicians
Flight Instructors
Material Specialists
Mechanics and Related Employees
Meteorologists
Pilots

Southwest remains in negotiations with two union-represented workgroups and is committed to reaching agreements that reward those Employees for their Southwest contributions.

Forward-Looking Statements

Southwest Airlines pilots to vote on new five-year agreement

December 20, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas, December 20, 2023 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that a Tentative Agreement has been reached with the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) and will be voted on by the airline’s nearly 11,000 Pilots.

SWAPA will communicate details of the contract and the voting process to Pilots.

Southwest® began accruing for market wage rates for all open labor contracts April 1, 2022. The Company’s fourth quarter 2023 guidance range for operating expenses per available seat mile, excluding fuel and oil expense, profitsharing, and special items (CASM-X), including those associated with this Tentative Agreement, remains unchanged at down 16 percent to 19 percent year-over-year. The CASM-X guidance range is inclusive of market wage rate accruals for this, and all open labor contracts, related to the fourth quarter 2023 time period.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Specific forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements related to (i) the Company’s financial outlook, plans, expectations, and projected results of operations and (ii) labor matters. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current estimates, intentions, beliefs, expectations, goals, strategies, and projections for the future and are not guarantees of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that are difficult to predict and that could cause actual results to vary materially from those expressed in or indicated by them. Factors include, among others, (i) the impact of fears or actual outbreaks of diseases, extreme or severe weather and natural disasters, actions of competitors, fuel prices, consumer perception, economic conditions, banking conditions, fears or actual acts of terrorism or war, sociodemographic trends, and other factors beyond the Company’s control, on consumer behavior and the Company’s results of operations and business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (ii) the Company’s ability to timely and effectively implement, transition, and maintain the necessary information technology systems and infrastructure to support its operations and initiatives; (iii) the emergence of additional costs or effects associated with the cancelled flights in December 2022, including litigation, government investigation and actions, and internal actions; (iv) the Company’s dependence on its workforce, including its ability to employ and retain sufficient numbers of qualified Employees to effectively and efficiently maintain its operations; (v) the Company’s ability to obtain and maintain adequate infrastructure and equipment to support its operations and initiatives; (vi) the Company’s dependence on third parties, in particular with respect to its technology plans, its plans and expectations related to operational reliability, fuel supply, and maintenance, and the impact on the Company’s operations and results of operations of any third party delays or non-performance; (vii) the impact of labor matters on the Company’s business decisions, plans, strategies, and results; (viii) the impact of governmental regulations and other governmental actions on the Company’s business plans, results, and operations; and (ix) other factors, as described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the detailed factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10- K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022. Caution should be taken not to place undue reliance on the Company’s forward-looking statements, which represent the Company’s views only as of the date of this news release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Embraer doubles service center capacity by expanding maintenance and customer support

December 20, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Embraer is expanding with 3 additional MRO facilities in Texas, Ohio, and Florida

Melbourne, Florida, December 20, 2023 – Embraer (NYSE: ERJ) announced today that it is doubling its maintenance service capacity in the United States, to support the continued growth of its executive jets’ customer base through the addition of three Executive Aviation Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in Dallas Love Field, TX, Cleveland, OH, and Sanford, FL.

Embraer will also substantially increase its Mobile Response network by 28 teams, and enlarge its capabilities including access to interior services, paint, and component repairs as part of this expansion. Service at these locations is set to begin in the second quarter of 2024. Embraer currently has three owned U.S.-based service centers dedicated to its executive jet customers located in Mesa, AZ, Melbourne, FL, and Fort Lauderdale, FL. Further, the company has 24 authorized service centers for its executive jets across the USA.

Forward-Looking Statements

Union Pacific announces fourth quarter 2023 earnings release date

December 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Omaha, Nebraska, December 15, 2023 – Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP) will release fourth quarter 2023 financial and operating results on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024, at 7:45 a.m. ET. The company’s management team will host a conference call and live webcast at 8:45 a.m. ET.

Parties interested in participating via teleconference may dial 877-407-8293. International callers may dial 201-689-8349. A live webcast of the presentation and materials will be available in the investor relations section of Union Pacific’s website at www.up.com/investor. A replay of the audio webcast will be available shortly thereafter.

Forward-Looking Statements

Amtrak customers now benefit from more flexible and affordable fares

October 27, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Washington, D.C. – Based on extensive customer research, and in an effort to better meet customer needs, Amtrak has introduced a new, simplified fare structure with more flexible and affordable options. The simpler fare structure launched this week and builds on other recent improvements Amtrak has made to the booking experience.

The new fare structure reduces fare types from three categories to two and serves to provide a more consistent booking experience with fare types that are clearly differentiated and easy-to-understand:

Flex: For customers who want a more flexible travel option, these tickets are fully refundable if canceled, and can be changed without fees before departure[1].
Value: For customers who know their travel plans and want a more affordable option, these tickets are at a lower price than Flex tickets, non-changeable and receive a 75% refund if canceled.

In addition to simplifying the fare structure, benefits of the new approach also include:

Flex fares will often be available starting at lower prices than previously offered.
Occasional sale fares at an even deeper discount (these will be non-changeable and receive a 50% refund if canceled).
Any refunds of credit card purchases will be made to the original form of payment, rather than as an eVoucher.[2]

These changes to Coach and Acela Business tickets make it easier for Amtrak customers to choose the ticket type that best fits their travel needs. Non-Acela Business and First Class tickets were already fully refundable and changeable with no additional fees. Tickets purchased prior to the launch of the new simplified fare structure remain subject to the fare rules and conditions that were in effect when the ticket was purchased.

Southwest Airlines orders additional 108 Boeing 737 MAX jets

October 26, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Seattle, Washington, October 26, 2023, PRNewswire – Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) announced today the carrier is increasing its commitment to the fuel-efficient 737 MAX family with an order for 108 737-7s. The new deal supports Southwest’s modernization strategy and provides flexibility to expand its fleet.

The 737 family has long served Southwest by helping fuel the airline’s continued growth. Southwest has placed over 300 orders for the 737-7, growing its orderbook to more than 500 737 MAX jets. Once certified, the 737-7 will join the carrier’s all-Boeing 737 fleet.

The 737-7 has the longest range in its class, capable of flying up to 3,800 nautical miles and carrying up to 172 passengers. The enhanced environmental performance of the 737 MAX allows carriers to reduce fuel use compared to the previous generation of airplanes. The 737 MAX is also quieter, creating a smaller noise footprint than older jets it replaces.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

American Airlines introduces AAdvantage Business

October 16, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Fort Worth, Texas — American Airlines Group (Nasdaq: AAL) continues to make travel more rewarding by introducing a new business loyalty program. The first program of its kind, AAdvantage Business™ rewards both eligible companies and their travelers with AAdvantage miles and additional Loyalty Points for booking business travel on aa.com or on the American Airlines app. AAdvantage Business™ offers a faster pathway to a more rewarding experience for companies and travelers alike.

How the new AAdvantage Business™ program works

AAdvantage Business rewards travelers will earn Loyalty Points in addition to their regular earnings for being an AAdvantage member. AAdvantage Business™ is a simple, convenient loyalty program for businesses of at least five employees, without any minimum spending requirement for the company to start earning miles.

For every $1 spent on eligible business travel, businesses earn 1 AAdvantage mile to redeem on travel and more including hotels, car rentals, Admirals Club lounges, and other experiences for employees. For that same $1 spent, eligible individual travelers earn 1 Loyalty Point that counts toward their accrual for earning status as an AAdvantage member. These Loyalty Points are in addition to any miles or Loyalty Points the traveler is earning as an AAdvantage member. Companies can learn more and begin registering now for the AAdvantage Business™ program at aa.com/aadvantagebusiness.

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American Airlines introduces AAdvantage Business

Maersk & Kodiak Robotics launch commercial autonomous trucking lane between Houston and Oklahoma City

October 6, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Florham Park, New Jersey/Mountain View, California — A.P. Moller – Maersk AS (OTC: AMKBY) and Kodiak Robotics, Inc., have launched the first commercial autonomous trucking lane between Houston and Oklahoma City. The freight lane marks an expansion of the collaboration between Kodiak and Maersk, which began with their first autonomous freight deliveries together in November 2022 as part of Maersk’s Global Innovation Center Program. Kodiak has been delivering eight loads per week, with a safety driver behind the wheel, for Maersk customers since August.

Kodiak and Maersk are completing four round trips per week on a 24-hour-a-day, four-day-a-week basis between a Houston facility, where consumer products are loaded onto 53-foot trailers, to a distribution center in Oklahoma City. Operational learnings gained from the activity are captured and documented as part of the Kodiak Partner Deployment Program, which is designed to help companies learn how Kodiak’s self-driving trucks can become an integral part of their overall logistics strategy and offerings.

Autonomous trucking solutions have the potential to address long-term challenges faced by the trucking industry. According to the American Trucking Association, the trucking industry faces a shortage of roughly 78,000 drivers. The ATA estimates that, based on current driver demographic trends, as well as projected growth in freight demand, the shortage could swell to more than 160,000 over the next decade.

Safety continues to be a perennial challenge for the trucking industry as well. U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) research also estimates that 94% of crashes occur due to human error. For Kodiak, safety and performance are foundational to its autonomous trucking solution. Each vehicle is equipped with 18 different sensors, including cameras, radar, and lidar, that provide the platform with a 360-degree view around the truck. Every tenth of a second, the truck evaluates the performance of more than 1,000 safety-critical processes and components in both the self-driving stack and the underlying truck platform. The trucks learn in parallel, with system upgrades shared to the entire fleet simultaneously, and are not subject to environmental distractions.

How the new AAdvantage Business™ program works

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