Tag: LUV (Page 1 of 3)

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.

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.

Southwest Airlines adds several enhancements to Rapid Rewards program for 2024

October 16, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas – Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) today announced five enhancements to the award-winning Rapid Rewards®1 program. The enhancements reward the airline’s loyal Members by making it easier for Customers to earn tier status; awarding A-List Preferred Members with up to two complimentary premium drinks; and allowing Customers to pay for Southwest® flights using a combination of cash and Rapid Rewards® points.

Earn A-List Status Faster: Starting Jan. 1, 2024, Southwest Rapid Rewards™ Members only need to fly 20 one-way qualifying flights² (previously 25) or earn 35,000 tier qualifying points³ to reach A-List status.
Earn A-List Preferred Status Faster: Starting Jan. 1, 2024, Rapid Rewards Members only need to fly 40 one-way qualifying flights² (previously 50) or earn 70,000 tier qualifying points³ to earn A-List Preferred status.
Earn Tier Qualifying Points Faster with Southwest Rapid Rewards™ Credit Cards from Chase: Starting Jan. 1, 2024, Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers will receive 1,500 tier qualifying points for every $5,000 spent⁴ (previously $10,000) on purchases using their Rapid Rewards Premier, Premier Business, Priority, or Performance Business Credit Cards from Chase.
New Perk Alert—Complimentary Premium Drinks for A-List Preferred Status: Starting Nov. 6, 2023, A-List Preferred Members can receive up to two complimentary premium drinks per flight, added directly to their mobile boarding passes.⁵
Redeem with Cash + Points: Starting in spring of 2024, Rapid Rewards Members will have the option to pay for their flight with a combination of cash and points, starting with as few as 1,000 points.⁶

Southwest Airlines named Best Airline For Families in Money magazine’s list of 2023 travel awards

September 16, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas, September 15, 2023 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) was named Best Airline for Families on MONEY magazine’s 2023 Travel Awards list. MONEY recognized Southwest Airlines for its Family Boarding process, two free checked bags,¹no change²or cancellation³ fees, and creating a flexible travel experience at a low cost. Southwest Customers also enjoy family-friendly content for free on the Inflight Entertainment Portal.⁴

“Families on the go turn to Southwest for more than our low fares and flexible policies,” said Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President of Marketing at Southwest Airlines. “We know families traveling together are looking for a comfortable and smooth travel experience, and our People take great pride in delivering their legendary Hospitality every step of the way.”

MONEY’s Best Airlines List assessed 10 major U.S. based carriers utilizing various criteria from multiple data resources to evaluate customer satisfaction with an airline’s network size, rewards programs, and policies.

For more information on Southwest’s flexible policies, visit Southwest.com.

1. First and second checked bags; weight and size limits apply.
2. If a Customer needs to change an upcoming flight itinerary, they’ll only pay the cost in fare difference.
3. Failure to cancel a reservation at least 10 minutes prior to scheduled departure may result in forfeited flight credits.
4. Where available. Available only on WiFi-enabled aircraft. Limited-time offer.

Southwest Airlines Announces New Crew Base for Pilots and Flight Attendants at Nashville International Airport

August 15, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas, August 14, 2023 – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today furthered its commitment to Music City by announcing the addition of a Crew Base at Nashville International Airport (BNA) in the second quarter of 2024. Nashville will become the 12th Crew Base in the Southwest® system with approximately 150-250 Pilots, growing to 500-600 Pilots, and an estimated 500-700 Flight Attendants based in the new Crew location beginning in 2024, with continued growth planned.

Southwest Airlines® began service to BNA on March 18, 1986, with eight daily nonstop departures to Chicago (Midway) and Houston (Hobby). Since then, it’s grown to operate more flights and serve more air Passengers as the largest carrier at BNA, offering up to 166 departures a day to 57 cities nonstop, and currently housing nearly 1,000 Southwest Employees. To support the carrier’s commitment to Nashville, the airline is striving to add four gates in the fourth quarter of 2023 to support its operation with a goal of 20 gates total by the end of the year to serve future Customers flying in and out of Nashville.

In 2016, the airline unveiled Tennessee One, a specialty aircraft emblazoned with an artist’s rendition of the Tennessee State flag, as a tribute to the state of Tennessee. Southwest additionally started service to Memphis International Airport on Nov. 3, 2013, and now offers up to 14 departures a day to 10 cities nonstop.

First Time Ever! Southwest Airlines Launches Buy One, Get One 50% Off Base Fares Promotion for Upcoming Travel

August 1, 2023 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas, August 1, 2023 – Today, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) launched a buy one, get one 50% off base fares promotional offer. This exciting offer is valid for only a short time—now through Aug. 3, 2023, and Customers can book their upcoming August and September travel and even save on a future trip to kick off 2024.¹

“We’re so grateful for the loyalty our Customers share with Southwest every day and we know they’re ready to make some travel plans in 2024,” said Jonathan Clarkson, Vice President of Marketing at Southwest Airlines. “This extra discount on our already low fares enhances the value of our frequent flights, flexible policies, and the unmatched friendliness of our People. We hope it underscores our gratitude for the relationship between Southwest and those who choose to fly with us.”

To qualify, Rapid Rewards® Members must:¹

Register for the promotion and purchase a Southwest® revenue flight (one round trip or two one-ways), starting today through Aug. 3, 2023; and
Travel by Sept. 30, 2023.

To use the promotion code Members must:²

Book new travel using the 50% off promotion code beginning Oct. 17, 2023, through Nov. 23, 2023; and
Travel Jan. 8 2024, through March 6, 2024. (Travel blacked out Feb. 15, 2024, through Feb. 19, 2024; Feb. 23, 2024, through Feb. 25, 2024; and March 3, 2024.)³

Visit Southwest.com® for the full list of terms and conditions.¹

Southwest Airlines Commemorative History Book Celebrates its 50th Anniversary

December 3, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

DALLAS, TEXAS, December 2, 2021 Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) is wrapping up its milestone 50th Anniversary year by releasing a one-of-a-kind commemorative history book, “50 Years. One Heart. A History of Southwest in 50 Objects.”

Starting today, Southwest® fans can purchase this unique coffee-table book, which brings to life the Company’s colorful history, its corporate archives, and reflection of its People through photographs and moments from the carrier’s rich past, exclusively sold at Southwest® The Store. This special book also represents the exciting culmination of 50 years’ worth of iconic stories as Southwest Airlines® closes out its first five decades.

“Throughout our 50th Anniversary year, we’ve reflected on the past—the People, stories, and moments that defined our first half-century,” said Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Airlines. “This commemorative history book celebrates our unique past and Culture, and serves as an inspiration as we close one chapter of our Company history and turn the page to our next chapter, filled with hope and resilience.”

Southwest is celebrating its incredible first 50 years by showcasing a stunning collection of 50 unique objects, outfits, and artifacts (photographed by Southwest Sr. Photographer Stephen M. Keller and Southwest Sr. Designer Brianna Juda), accompanied by short stories from the Company’s inspiring history and a special foreword by Kelly as he prepares to transition into his role as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors in early 2022.

This is the first of two special books launching in celebration of Southwest’s 50th year of service—more information coming on the second book in early 2022.

Southwest Airlines Announces 15 Year Agreement for Sustainable Aviation Fuel

November 10, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Dallas, Texas — Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) today announced a 15-year agreement with Velocys Renewables LLC for 219 million gallons of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Once blended with conventional jet fuel, the SAF could produce the equivalent of 575 million gallons of net zero fuel and avoid 6.5 million metric tons of CO2 over the term of the agreement. Southwest plans to begin purchasing SAF from the Velocys Bayou Fuels facility in Natchez, Mississippi, as early as 2026.

Additionally, as part of the offtake agreement, Southwest and Velocys have established a long-term strategic relationship, offering Southwest the opportunity to purchase significant volumes of SAF from future Velocys facilities.

Southwest recognizes the critical role that commercially viable SAF will play in the carrier’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world and strives to maintain a steadfast focus on a triple bottom line.

Southwest Airlines and The International Association Of Machinists And Aerospace Workers Reach Tentative Agreement

August 23, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

DALLAS, TEXAS – Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have reached a Tentative Agreement for Southwest’s more than 5,000 Customer Service Employees.

Composed of the Company’s Customer Service Agents, Customer Representatives, and Source of Support Representatives, these Employees deliver excellent Customer Service by helping our Customers get to their destinations, whether that is taking a phone call to change a Customer’s travel plans or assisting a Customer or fellow Employee on the ground at one of the airports we serve.

The IAM will communicate to its membership the details of the Tentative Agreement and the ratification process.

Southwest Airlines Eugene, Oregon Service to Begin August 29, 2021

April 18, 2021 / WIL BALDWIN

Southwest Airlines Company (NYSE: LUV) today published an initial flight schedule for Eugene Airport (EUG) in Oregon, bringing the airline’s low fares, flexible policies, and Hospitality closer to more outdoor attractions in the Pacific Northwest. Southwest Airlines® will offer nonstop, roundtrip service once daily to Las Vegas and twice daily to Oakland in the Bay Area, bringing additional same-plane or connecting roundtrip service daily between Eugene and more than 30 airports across the Southwest route map.

“We welcome new Customers to Southwest as we continue an expansion across the nation to bring additional service and open new cities,” said Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. “The addition of Eugene to our map positions easy access to Southwest all around Track Town USA, and is a request from leisure and business travelers who value our flexibility and Hospitality.”

EUGENE, OREGON FLIGHTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE
Beginning Aug. 29, 2021, Southwest will commence service to a second city in Oregon, having served Portland since 1994. Southwest Customers will be able to experience the vibrant arts, college athletics, and outdoor beauty of Eugene and the surrounding regions through new service available for purchase now at Southwest.com:

Fly nonstop between Eugene, Ore. and:	Initial flight schedule (roundtrip service, nonstop):	One-way fares as low as*:
Las Vegas	Once daily	$49
Oakland	Twice daily	$39

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