2008 to Present
2008
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January 09, 2008 |
Beginning on May 10, Southwest will add 40 nonstop flights to key markets. This is made possible by a reduction of 56 poor performing flights. |
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January 17, 2008 |
Along with announcing its 126th consecutive quarterly dividend, Southwest intends to repurchase an additional $500 million of the Company's stock. |
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January 23, 2008 |
In financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2007, Southwest posted a profit of $111 million for the quarter and $645 million for the year. Excluding special items, the airline posted a net profit of $87 million for the quarter and the net yearly profit was $499 million. 2007 was the airlines 35th consecutive profitable year. Southwest also announces that it will be the first U.S. carrier to test satellite-delivered wireless broadband connections on multiple aircraft. The tests, in partnership with Row 44, are set to begin during the summer and will include four aircraft. |
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February 04, 2008 |
Nuts About Southwest, the airline's blog runs a photo caption contest to send a lucky couple to LAS on Valentine's Day. Winners will receive air fare, two nights at the Mirage, and tickets to The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil. |
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February 06, 2008 |
The Dallas-area Salvation Army teams up with Southwest to sell items that have remained in the airline's Lost and Found for extended periods. The donation of the items, which are sold in the Army's thrift stores, allows Southwest to give back to the community and to put the unclaimed items to good use. |
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February 28, 2008 |
DING!, the device that delivers Southwest lowest fares to Customers' computers celebrates its third birthday with a contest. Customers submitting the best DING! headline win a cruise on Royal Caribbean. |
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April 03, 2008 |
Herb and Gary testify before a hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing on FAA Safety oversight. They stress Southwest's experience with the 737. ATA eliminates all passenger service, and ends the codeshare with Southwest Airlines. |
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April 14, 2008 |
"Illinois One" is unveiled. In a ceremony attended by Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, at least 500 Employees, and Community supporters. The airplane features a stunning adaptation of the Illinois state flag. |
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April 17, 2008 |
For its 68th straight profitable quarter, Southwest reports first quarter net income of $37 million, and excluding special items net income was $43 million or $.04 per diluted share. The airline also states that it is reconsidering its previous plan to retire all of 22 aircraft in light of "dramatic industry developments." |
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April 22, 2008 |
In continuing its rapid growth in Denver, Southwest announces new nonstop service beginning June 4 between the Colorado capital and PDX and IND. The airline also announces an additional nonstop flight between DEN and LAS and DEN and SAT. |
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April 24, 2008 |
Southwest's Rapid Rewards win three first-place Freddie awards for its Award Redemption, Best Award, and Best Customer Communication. In addition, the airline also placed in the top five of four more categories. Winners are determined by readers of Inside Flyers magazine. |
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June 18, 2008 |
37th Anniversary. |
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July 08, 2008 |
LUV will go beyond the country as Southwest announces its first international codeshare agreement. By teaming up with Canada's WestJet, Southwest will be able to offer codeshare flights and to sell WestJet space to Canada. |
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July 14, 2008 |
Thrifty Car Rental becomes a Preferred Partner in the Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program |
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July 15, 2008 |
On Colleen's last day as Southwest's President, she was honored with a surprise tribute in the lobby of Headquarters. Serenaded by a "customized" Willie Nelson song, she was met by the sound of cowbells, which in her family were rung to celebrate great accomplishments. Gary also dedicated Colleen's special airplane, "Heroine of the Heart" to be a permanent member of Southwest's fleet. |
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July 24, 2008 |
In second quarter earnings, Southwest posted a net income of $321 million and excluding special items the net income was $121 million or $.16 per diluted share. Gary stated: "With the weak domestic economy and unprecedented jet fuel prices, we are pleased to report our 69th consecutive quarter of profitability. Although we have prepared ourselves well for today's challenging environment and are proud of our ability to sustain profitability, we cannot stand still. We must continue to make the necessary adjustments to adapt to higher jet fuel prices and restore our profit margins." |
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July 24, 2008 |
In partnership with Operation Homefront, Southwest ships over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to the children of soldiers deployed overseas. Hundreds of Employees line the fence of Headquarters to see Herb and Colleen lead the convoy of trucks carrying the backpacks. |
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July 29, 2008 |
Southwest begins the first "Green Tuesday" to highlight the airline's commitment to the environment. On Aug. 1, a new comingled recycling program for Headquarters offices begins. |
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August 04, 2008 |
DEN Provisioning Station opens and becomes Southwest's 22nd Provisioning location. In 2009, DEN Provisioning will move to a larger permanent location. |
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August 06, 2008 |
Kay Weatherford is promoted to Vice President Revenue Management and Pricing. |
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August 15, 2008 |
Bob Young joins Southwest Airlines as Vice President and Chief Technology Officer. |
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August 25, 2008 |
Kathleen Wayton is promoted to Vice President Strategy and Change Leadership. |
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December 04, 2008 |
Southwest Airlines and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) announce that the parties have reached a tentative agreement with a four-year term. The Company is pleased with this cost neutral contract which delivers raises in exchange for work rule improvements and contract flexibility. The current collective bargaining agreement became amendable on August 16, 2008. The agreement must still be ratified by Union membership. |
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December 12, 2008 |
Southwest Airlines celebrates its 30th year of operation in Amarillo with a first-born baby contest. The family of the first baby born in Amarillo on Dec. 12, 2008, in either the North West Texas Health Care System or Baptist—St. Anthony's Health System hospitals will be awarded four roundtrip tickets to any Southwest Airlines scheduled destination. |
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December 16, 2008 |
Following up on a previously announced codeshare agreement, Southwest begins offering a link to WestJet's booking portal on southwest.com. |
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December 17, 2008 |
Southwest Airlines' Chairman Emeritus, Herb Kelleher, is inducted into the Paul E. Garber First Flight Shrine in the Wright Brothers National Memorial by the First Flight Society of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. With the unveiling of Kelleher's portrait at the event, the First Flight Society honored the founder of the nation's most successful commercial airline on the original site where the first powered, controllable flight was flown in 1903 by the Wright Brothers. The First Flight Society was formed in 1927 and over the years has celebrated the men and women whose accomplishments have advanced aviation. |
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December 22, 2008 |
Southwest Airlines submits an application to the Department of Transportation (DOT) to acquire international route authority to operate flights between the United States and Canada. The application for a certificate to provide foreign air transportation is required by law before Southwest Airlines can fully implement its previously announced codeshare agreement with Canadian carrier WestJet. The certificate, which Southwest hopes to receive in the first quarter of next year, would also allow Southwest Airlines the authority to operate flights to Canada with its own planes, although the airline does not have any plans to do so at this time. Under the planned codeshare, Southwest Airlines and WestJet will offer Customers a seamless travel experience to a wide array of destinations in both the U.S. and Canada. The airlines plan to announce codeshare flight schedules in the second half of 2009. |
2009
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January 14, 2009 |
Beginning on May 9, Southwest will begin service between San Francisco International and Orange County's John Wayne Airport with five daily flights. |
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March 02, 2009 |
Forbes magazine names Southwest as No. 7 on its list of the World's Most Admired Companies. |
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March 17, 2009 |
The Express Delivery and Logistics Association names Southwest Cargo as the "Airline of the Year" for excellence in air cargo. This is the fifth consecutive year that the airline was won this honor. |
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April 03, 2009 |
Southwest celebrates 20 years of service to Indianapolis with a 1989-themed party that includes decorations and costumes from 1980s. |
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April 07, 2009 |
Details of Southwest's inaugural service to New York's La Guardia are announced, and the service will begin on June 28, 2009 with eight daily nonstop flights. Five flights will operate between La Guardia and Chicago Midway and three beween Baltimore/Washington and La Guardia. In addition to the nonstops, direct or connecting service will be offered in 45 markets. |
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June 23, 2009 |
Customer Support and Services and airport Customer Service Employees represented by the International Association of Machinists (IAM) and Aerospace Workers District 142 ratify the tentative, four-year contract reached with Southwest Airlines in May. The new contract is active through October 31, 2012. |
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August 03, 2009 |
Southwest will continue its growth and commitment to Denver by adding 13 new daily flights and six new nonstop destinations next year from the Mile High City. The new nonstop destinations are Hartford, Boise, Ontario, Detroit, and Washington Dulles, with Saturday-only service to New York LaGuardia. |
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August 03, 2009 |
1990 Milestones Net income: $47,083,000 Revenue passengers: 19,830,941 Trips flown: 338,108 Fleet: 106 aircraft Employees at yearend: 8,620 Cities opened: BUR, RNO Specialty Aircraft Lone Star One Nov. 7, 1990 Conde Nast Traveler recognizes Southwest as one of the world's safest airlines. Named a charter member of the International Airlines Passengers Association's Honor Roll of Airlines among the world's safest airlines. |
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August 26, 2009 |
Board of Directors declares the Company's 27th consecutive dividend of $.04 per share to be paid on June 27, 1983 to Shareholders of record at the close of business on June 6, 1983. |
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September 10, 2009 |
Beginning January 10, 2010, Southwest Airlines will begin new nonstop service between Denver and Boston Logan; Denver and Spokane; and Denver and Reno/Tahoe. |
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September 17, 2009 |
Southwest and the Southwest Airlines Pilot's Association (SWAPA) reaches a tentative agreement on a new contract. This new proposal is a five-year agreement through August 31, 2011. The current Southwest Pilot contract became amendable on August 31, 2006. SWAPA and Southwest Airlines began contract negotiations in September 2006. |
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November 02, 2009 |
Southwest announces that its Pilots represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), voted to ratify the tentative, five-year contract both parties reached last month. The new contract is active through Aug. 31, 2011. The current Southwest Pilot contract became amendable on Aug. 31, 2006. SWAPA and Southwest Airlines began contract negotiations in September 2006 |
2010
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January 21, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines reports a net income of $99 million (including special items) or $.13 per diluted share for the year 2009. Excluding special items, the year’s net income was $143 million or $.19 per diluted share. For the fourth quarter of 2009, the airline reported net income of $116 million including special items and a net income of $74 million excluding special items. |
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January 28, 2010 |
Doug Brooks, Chairman, President, and CEO of Brinker International is named to Southwest Airline’s Board of Directors, effective February 15. His term will run through the Annual Stockholders Meeting in May. |
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January 28, 2010 |
Southwest declares the 134th consecutive quarterly dividend. |
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January 29, 2010 |
29 hospitals around the country will participate in Southwest’s Medical Transportation Grant for the year. The airline will donate $1.2 million in transportation to the hospitals who will provide the tickets to patients and family members in need for transportation to receive medical care. |
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February 11, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines celebrates 35 years of serving the Rio Grande Valley through Valley International Airport in Harlingen. The highlight of the event is the marriage of Valley natives, Justin Lang and Rhonda Miller, in the airport atrium. The couple won an essay contest over 300 other entrants. |
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February 12, 2010 |
A revised southwest.com launches with improved navigation, features, and the ability to personalize the home page. |
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February 16, 2010 |
Philadelphia unveils a newly expanded $45 million enlargement to Terminal E, Southwest’s new home in the City of Brotherly Love. The facility allows Southwest to operate all of its flights out of one concourse. |
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March 5, 2010 |
Vancouver, Washington fifth grader Tracy Tran submits the winning design for this year’s Adopt-A-Pilot tie. The 700 Southwest Pilots who participate in the Adopt-A-Pilot program will wear the tie as part of their uniform. |
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March 10, 2010 |
Air Cargo World magazine recognizes Southwest as the top airline with their annual Air Cargo Excellence Survey. Rated against 84 airlines, Southwest Airlines earned the highest overall airline score, led all airlines in the Performance and Value categories, and received the highest honor, the Diamond Award. |
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March 15, 2010 |
New “Grab Your Bag, It’s On!” television commercials debut with a new set of Employees. The ads are a continuation of the Southwest commercials that began during football season in 2010. |
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March 16, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines, in conjunction with the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), opens the "Dandole Alas a Tu Exito/Giving Flight to Your Success," annual education travel award program. A panel of judges comprised of college professors and education advocates from coast to coast will gather this summer to select students who will receive free travel to their colleges and universities. The tickets are awarded to undergraduate and graduate Hispanic students with socio-economic needs who journey away from home to pursue higher education. |
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March 17, 2010 |
St. Patrick’s Day marks the 25th Anniversary of Southwest service to both Chicago Midway and St. Louis. In addition to events at both airports, Southwest Airlines Employees engage in Share the Spirit community events in these two Midwest cities. |
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March 25, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines is named Official Airline of the National Hispanic PR Conference to be held May 10-13 in Dallas. The gathering of more than 400 public relations professionals hopes to foster discussion of new trends and common needs of Hispanic audiences. |
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March 25, 2010 |
The Express Delivery and Logistics Association (XLA) names Southwest Airlines Cargo their Airline of the Year for the sixth straight year. Southwest Airlines has placed on XLA's Airline of the Year list for nine consecutive years. In addition, Southwest Airlines Cargo won XLA's award for Excellence in Web Site and Technology. On top of that, Southwest Airlines Cargo also was named Carrier of the Year by the Airforwarders Association. AFA members voted on the Airforwarders Association member carrier with the best ontime performance, Customer Service, problem resolution, claims handling, technology support, service options, and overall value. |
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April 6, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines today celebrates 30 years of service in Albuquerque. To commemorate the anniversary, Southwest will throw a "Red vs. Green"-themed celebration featuring music, decorations, games, and prizes with its Employees and Customers at Albuquerque's International Sunport Airport to celebrate the official New Mexico question s. |
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April 16, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines notifies WestJet of its intent to terminate the agreement to offer connecting service between the United States and Canada with WestJet. The Canadian carrier had requested significant changes to the agreement that the two airlines had in place since 2008. Southwest cannot agree with the modifications to the confidential agreement. |
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April 22, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines first quarter 2010 net income was $11 million, or $.01 per diluted share. First quarter 2010 results included special items (net of taxes) of $13 million, related to non-cash, mark-to-market, and other items associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedge portfolio. Excluding special items for both periods, first quarter 2010 net income was $24 million, or $.03 per diluted share. |
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April 23, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines Customers will have the ability to book Unaccompanied Minors (UMs) on southwest.com. Currently, Customers booking UM travel must complete their transaction and fill out the necessary paperwork once they arrive at the airport. |
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April 23, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines honors the State of Florida with the unveiling of Florida One, a Boeing 737 emblazoned with an artist's rendering of the state flag. Southwest Airlines' top Leadership celebrated the high-flying tribute to the State of Florida at an event in a Tampa International Airport hangar with National Wildlife Refuge Association President Evan Hirsche, and Southwest's Florida-based Employees. More than 200 Southwest Airlines Employees and community leaders celebrated the unveiling at Tampa. Following the unveiling event in Tampa, the aircraft began a tour of the airline's Florida cities. At each stop, the airline hosts a celebratory event in the Southwest gate area to display the aircraft to Employees and Customers. |
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May 10, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines adds a new beer offering onboard, Corona Extra with a lime. Corona Extra is the #1 selling imported beer in the U.S. The additional beverage option is another way Southwest is improving the Customer experience onboard. |
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May 19, 2010 |
Over the next six weeks, Southwest will decal more than 50 aircraft with the slogan, "Free Bags Fly Here" and an arrow pointing to its Cargo bin. The airline will also tag approximately 1,000 luggage carts across the system with banners that say "I Carry Free Bags." |
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May 20, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines and its 155 Ontario-based Employees celebrate the 25 years of serving Ontario International Airport. The festivities include gate games, decorations, a DJ, and massages. Additionally, Ontario Employees Share the Spirit by sending smiles to children at the Pomona Valley Hospital and the Loma Linda Children’s Hospital by making greeting cards. |
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May 23, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines begins service at Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) at Panama City Beach, Florida. The next day, a beach-themed celebration includes plenty of beach balls and local music. Hundreds of Customers and Employees see Southwest Airlines' Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO Gary Kelly join ECP Airport Authority Vice Chairman Bill Cramer and St. Joe CEO Britt Greene in a morning news conference. Service begins with eight daily flights, two each to Nashville, Houston Hobby, Baltimore/Washington, and Orlando. |
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June 3, 2010 |
As the Official Airline of the Eighth Annual Denver Chalk Art Festival on Larimer Square, June 5 and 6, Southwest Airlines sponsors a two-day festival that transforms four downtown city blocks right before art enthusiasts' eyes, only to be washed away over night. On June 2, to promote the event, a dozen artists create two beautiful art pieces of chalk art on the ramp next to two Southwest gates at Denver International Airport. |
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June 16, 2010 |
Brian Hirshman joins Southwest as the Vice President of Maintenance & Engineering. Bringing more than 20 years experience in airline maintenance programs, Hirshman started his career as a frontline mechanic for Northwest Airlines in New York. He held the positions of Director of Maintenance and Staff Vice President Maintenance at Alaska Airlines until 2004. After that, he has worked in the consulting and investment banking arena providing professional services to airline operators and MRO organizations. |
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June 18, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines’ 39th Anniversary |
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July 3, 2010 |
Denver’s Mile High Pedicabs teams up with Southwest Airlines to offer free rides during 20 popular, local events around the downtown area. The partnership, which runs for six months is also in conjunction with Southwest’s sponsorship of a series of movies and concerts in Skyline Park. |
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July 29, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines reports second quarter 2010 net income of $112 million, or $.15 per diluted share, including special items related to non-cash, mark-to-market, and other items associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedge portfolio. Excluding special items, second quarter 2010 net income was $216 million. |
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July 31, 2010 |
As part of the EAA’s annual Air Venture air show held in Oshkosh, WI from July 26 until August 1, one of the Southwest's Boeing 737-700 aircraft featuring a unique decal is open for tours throughout the day to Air Venture visitors. The annual air show, which draws more than 550,000 visitors from 75 countries each year, is the world's premier aviation enthusiast event. |
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August 10, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines announces it has developed a mobile site for its popular corporate travel tool, www.swabiz.com. At one glance, on-the-go corporate travelers can check air reservations and flight status, check in online, consult flight schedules, view their traveler account, and access the full options available on the main swabiz site; all while allowing their companies to benefit from the reporting features delivered through SWABIZ.com. |
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August 19, 2010 |
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. joins Southwest’s frequent flyer program, Rapid Rewards, as a new Partner. Rapid Rewards Members now have the option to earn a half (0.5) Rapid Rewards credit for each eligible stay at one of Starwood's global hotel brands including: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Meridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points by Sheraton(R), Aloft(R), and Element(SM). |
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August 27, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines and Continental Airlines confirm that they entered into a lease providing Southwest Airlines access to 36 Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) slots which are currently held by Continental. The lease deal, contingent upon the closing of the Continental and United airlines' merger by Nov. 30, 2010, and certain governmental approvals, will give Southwest Airlines the right to operate up to 18 daily roundtrip flights at Newark, New Jersey, with some flights beginning in March 2011 and a full schedule in place by June 2011. The slots are spread throughout the day and will allow Southwest the ability to integrate Newark service conveniently into its extensive national route network. |
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September 1, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines announces plans to increase the number of hospitals and medical transportation organizations that will receive grants in the airline's 2011 Medical Transportation Grant Program. Southwest has nearly doubled the grant program's 2011 budget with hopes of assisting more than 5,500 patients and family members with their medical related travel needs. |
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September 16, 2010 |
The Southwest Porch at Skyline Park opens. The Porch is a brand new outdoor lounge that provides Denver residents and visitors a fun and relaxing atmosphere in Downtown Denver. Situated at the base of the historic Daniels and Fisher Clocktower at the intersection of 16th Street and Arapahoe, The Southwest Porch at Skyline Park offers guests authentic Neapolitan-style pizzas from Brava! Pizzeria Della Strada or drinks served up by Lannie's Clocktower Cabaret. |
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September 16, 2010 |
Hispanic Business Magazine selects Southwest Airlines as one of the 2010 Diversity Elite companies in the United States. The list is featured in the September issue of the magazine. Southwest Airlines exemplified the inclusion of diversity measures in the workplace by meeting more than 32 variables that measure a company's commitment to Hispanic hiring, promotion, marketing, philanthropy and supplier diversity. |
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September 21, 2010 |
In the aftermath of the gulf oil spill, Southwest Airlines and the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA) announce the "Help Us Help Them" giving program in which Southwest will donate $1 from every EarlyBird Check-In purchase up to $100,000 through Oct. 4, 2010 to help the NWRA with its gulf wildlife recovery efforts. As the Official Airline of the NWRA, Southwest supports the Association's goal of conserving America's wildlife heritage for future generations. |
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September 22, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines is a Diamond sponsor of the US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's (USHCC) 31st Annual National Convention & Business Expo in Dallas. "We are very excited that the USHCC selected Dallas--our hometown--to celebrate their annual convention. It is an honor to participate in this annual business event where top Leaders from all over the nation gather together to find new opportunities for Latinos and business owners overall. The US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) will gather more than 4,000 business owners in an important conversation about the economy," said Christine Ortega, Southwest’s Corporate Community Affairs Manager. |
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September 27, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines announces today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire all of the outstanding common stock of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), the parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran), for a combination of cash and Southwest Airlines' common stock. Including the existing AirTran net indebtedness and capitalized aircraft operating leases, the transaction value is approximately $3.4 billion. The agreement has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of each company, and its closing is subject to the approval of AirTran Stockholders, receipt of certain regulatory clearances, and fulfillment of customary closing conditions. "Today is an exciting day for our Employees, our Customers, the communities we serve, and our Shareholders," said Gary C. Kelly, Chairman, President, and CEO of Southwest Airlines. "As we approach our 40th Anniversary of providing exceptional Customer Service at everyday low fares, the acquisition of AirTran represents a unique opportunity to grow Southwest Airlines' presence in key markets we don't yet serve and takes a significant step towards positioning us for future growth.” |
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October 6, 2010 |
For the 14th year in a row, Logistics Management magazine awarded Southwest Airlines with its Quest for Quality Award. In addition to the award recognition for top air cargo carriers, Southwest Airlines Cargo received the highest scores among all airlines. Southwest Airlines topped each critical category including: Ontime Performance, Value, Information Technology, Customer Service, and Equipment and Operations. |
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October 7, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines celebrates workplace diversity by hosting its first Diversity Summit today themed "Join the Conversation." The Summit gathers executives from North Texas local Fortune 500 companies to talk about diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering new opportunities, and expanding best practices. |
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October 8, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing the carrier's Stock Clerks, announce that the two parties have reached a tentative agreement. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through August 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on August 16, 2008. Earlier in 2010, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. |
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October 14, 2010 |
The decision to bring the Boeing 737-800 into the Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) fleet moves another step closer to reality as the Board of Directors for the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), representing more than 5,800 Pilots, unanimously approves a tentative agreement reached with the Company. The tentative agreement will now be presented to the full SWAPA membership for a ratification vote. In September, the Executive Board of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, representing more than 9,700 Southwest Flight Attendants, unanimously approved a tentative agreement reached with the Company. That tentative agreement is currently being presented to all members of TWU 556 for a ratification vote. |
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October 18, 2010 |
As a result of its "Help Us Help Them" giving program in which Southwest donated $1 for every EarlyBird Check-In(TM) purchased from Sept. 21, 2010 through Oct. 4, 2010, Southwest Airlines announces that the airline reached its goal of donating $100,000 to the National Wildlife Refuge Association (NWRA). "This generous contribution by Southwest Airlines and its many loyal customers will make a difference for the incredible variety of wildlife that call the Gulf home," said Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA. "Pelicans, sea turtles, manatees and a great many other species impacted by the oil spill stand to benefit from Southwest's commitment." |
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October 28, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines launches a new product that allows Customers to book international flights by connecting with Volaris, Mexico's second-largest airline. Starting Nov. 12, Customers can book service from 20 Southwest cities to five Volaris Mexican destinations (Cancun, Guadalajara, Morelia, Toluca/Mexico City, andZacatecas), for travel starting Dec. 1. The new service will connect through Los Angeles International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose International Airport and will create up to 85 additional flight itineraries. |
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October 28, 2010 |
At Media Day 2010, Southwest Airlines announces pricing for WiFi HOTSPOT. Southwest will offer WiFi onboard its fleet at a special introductory flat rate of $5 per flight for any device or flight length. Southwest offers this price point and tailors the Customer Experience with the satellite-based technology provided by Row 44. Southwest partnered with Row 44 and began testing WiFi on four aircraft in 2009. Today, Southwest has 32 WiFi-enabled planes. |
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October 28, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines announces it will serve Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) with eight daily nonstops flights, six to Chicago Midway and two to St. Louis beginning Sunday, March 27, 2011. To celebrate its 72nd city, Southwest will offer introductory fares of $72 one-way between Newark and both Chicago and St. Louis. This announcement is the first wave of the carrier's new schedule at Newark International. Southwest will announce additional Newark flights to begin in 2011 before the end of the year. “This is a great day for Southwest and for Customers in the New York-New Jersey area. We know the need for great service, low fares, and ontime flights. Southwest is proud to expand its wings into a very popular market and to provide low fare competition," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO. "This proves, once again, the power of our product and the amazing job our Employees have done to position Southwest on the East Coast." |
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November 5, 2010 |
To honor its more than 750 Employees who currently serve in the National Guard and Reserves, along with thousands of Customers who served or are serving in the armed forces, Southwest Airlines is calling November its "Military Heroes Month." The airline is working with select nonprofit organizations across the country throughout November to thank and give back to the military service members and their families. |
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November 9, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines and AirTran Holdings announce that each received a request yesterday for additional information from the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) in connection with Southwest's previously announced proposed acquisition of AirTran. This action, often referred to as a "second request," is a common part of the regulatory approval process under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act. Both parties are in the process of gathering information to respond to the second request and will continue to work cooperatively with the DOJ as it reviews the transaction. |
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November 10, 2010 |
GI Jobs magazine recognizes Southwest Airlines as one of the top military friendly companies in the nation, with its eighth annual list honoring corporate best practices. The annual survey conducted by G.I. Jobs magazine is one of the primary tools used to determine the nation's most Military Friendly Employers(R). "This isn't about charity or patriotism. It's about good business. The companies on our list understand that," said Rich McCormack, who heads G.I. Jobs' list. |
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November 11, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines, along with the City of San Antonio, opens a special exhibit to honor more than 1,000 soldiers who come through the Airline's gates either on their way to or returning from the battlefield. This unique display was created by Southwest Employee Kevin Kincaide, Ground Operations Supervisor, and it embodies a respectful salute to the military with a wall exhibition of family photos of Employees and/or family members who currently serve, have served or have lost their lives serving in the military. |
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November 12, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines is pleased to announce that Captain Jeff Martin has been named the carrier's first Vice President of the Operations Coordination Center. Captain Martin began his career with Southwest Airlines in 1990 as a Southwest Pilot. Most recently, he served as the Assistant Director of Operations. Captain Martin maintains his status as a Southwest Captain/Check Pilot and civilian flight instructor as he brings a wealth of operational and regulatory expertise to the OCC. Captain Martin was instrumental in leading the Southwest Airlines RNP program and numerous change initiatives within Flight Operations and is currently leading the evaluation efforts as Southwest's Business Delivery Leader for the Boeing - 800 integration project. He (and the Southwest Team) were also recently named as a recipient of the 2010 Williams Trophy for innovation in aviation award. |
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November 18, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on December 9, 2010 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 137th consecutive dividend will be paid on January 6, 2011. |
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November 18, 2010 |
The Southwest Airlines Board of Directors appoints Tom Nealon to the Board, effective December 1, 2010. Nealon is Group Executive Vice President of J.C. Penney Company, Inc. |
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November 18, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, voted to ratify a tentative agreement reached with the Company in September to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective bargaining agreement. With this positive vote, the Flight Attendants' current contract will also be extended by one year, becoming amendable May 31, 2013, and will include the potential for wage rate increases based on the Company's financial performance. TWU 556 is made up of more than 9,700 Flight Attendants. |
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November 23, 2010 |
Southwest and Microsoft Windows 7 have partnered to make your holiday travel experience jollier with Holiday Photos on the Fly. Beginning December 2, Southwest Airlines and Windows will offer free holiday photos to Customers at 26 airports nationwide. Customers can stop by one of Santa's workshops in select Southwest Airlines airports to have their photo taken with Santa or in a holiday-themed backdrop. Once a photo is taken, a Windows 7 Elf will guide Customers through an online experience to edit, share, and store their photos with ease, thanks to Windows Live and Windows 7. Families will be able to print a copy of their photo at the airport, or visit a special web site to retrieve and share their photos online. |
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November 24, 2010 |
John Jamotta is named as the new Vice President of Network Planning. John has been with Southwest Airlines and Network Planning--formerly known as Schedule Planning--since 1987, serving as Senior Director for the past seven years and leading the integrated planning function within Network Planning. |
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November 26, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines announces an innovative way for people on Facebook to give the opportunity of travel to children who need it most. Through an alliance with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Southwest Airlines will offer the Foundation $1 in travel up to $300,000 each time a Customer uses Facebook Deals to check-in at any of Southwest Airlines' 69 airports. |
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November 26, 2010 |
The Southwest Rink at Skyline Park is ready for Denver residents and visitors to grace the ice. This outdoor ice rink located next to the historic Daniels and Fisher Clocktower, will be open on weekdays from noon to 10 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. after the grand opening. |
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December 1, 2010 |
As the first airline to reach one million fans on Facebook, Southwest offers its fans a special Rapid Rewards promotion, available for just one day only. Facebook Fans earn triple Rapid Rewards credit on all their flights purchased December 1 for travel between December 1 and December 31, 2010. |
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December 1, 2010 |
The Southwest Airlines' Pilots' Association (SWAPA), ratifies a tentative agreement reached with the Company in October to add the Boeing 737-800 to the current collective bargaining agreement. With this positive vote, the Pilots' current contract will also be extended by one year, becoming amendable August, 2012, and will include the potential for wage rate increases based on the Company's financial performance. SWAPA is made up of more than 5,600 Southwest Pilots. |
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December 8, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines is once again the Official Airline of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival for the second year in a row. As a pioneer in aviation, Southwest salutes the filmmakers who seek new horizons and embrace possibilities. Southwest Airlines also sees the festival as an opportunity to expand the airline's Branded Entertainment practice--an effort focused on integrating Southwest into television and film productions. The airline showcases its People, Culture, planes, and travel experience through this innovative approach. |
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December 9, 2010 |
The Council of the American Meteorological Society (AMS) recognizes Southwest Airlines' in-house Meteorology Team by naming Rick Curtis, Southwest's Chief Meteorologist, the recipient of the 2010 Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Advance of Applied Meteorology. This award recognizes Southwest Airlines' outstanding contributions in advancing the use of meteorology within the airline industry to further enhance safety and efficiency of operations. |
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December 10, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines gives away one $1,000southwestgiftcard(R) each day, beginning December 10, for 12 days in December with the "12 Days of LUV" contest sponsored by Visa(R). The Southwest Airlines Twitter account (@southwestair) will ask each day for a FUN holiday photo over over a 12 day period. Each day has a theme, which is announced at some point during the day. The Twitterer with the best photo each day wins a $1,000southwestgiftcard(R) |
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December 14, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines Stock Clerks, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division reject the tentative agreement it had with the Company. |
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December 15, 2010 |
At the Wings Club in New York City, Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO announces the Company will substitute 20 of its 737-700 orders for -800s, with the first delivery scheduled for March 2012. With both its Pilots' and Flight Attendants' Unions ratifying their contracts to add the -800 to their current collective bargaining agreements, the Company continues to finalize discussions with the Boeing Company regarding substitutions of the -800s for the -700 positions, and configuration and equipage options. |
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December 16, 2010 |
Southwest Airlines Flight Simulator Technicians, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, ratify an extension to their current agreement. The agreement is for a two-year contract extension through October 2013. The current contract would have become amendable on November 1, 2011. |
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December 31, 2010 |
Net income $459 million—$450 million excluding special items, 88,191,322 Passengers carried, 1,114,451 trips flown, 34,901 Employees at year’s end, 548 aircraft, 69 cities served, Panama City Beach opened on May 23. New specialty airplane: Florida One. |
2011
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January 5, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines unveils the details of the All-New Rapid Rewards program, the carrier’s frequent flyer program, which will officially launch on March 1, 2011. In the enhanced program, Members can redeem their points for every seat, every day, on every flight with no blackout dates or seat restrictions, and points won’t expire with any earning activity in a 24-month time period. Members will earn points for every dollar spent on Southwest flights. The amount of points earned is based on the fare and fare product purchased, and the same is true for redeeming points. |
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January 11, 2011 |
Required Navigation Performance (RNP) efficient flight procedures begin for Southwest Airlines' Pilots at 11 airports nationwide. This major milestone to reduce environmental impact with a more efficient operation and to assist the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on NextGen initiatives is the culmination of a four-year project with partners Boeing, GE, and Honeywell. RNP is satellite-based navigation that brings together the accuracy of GPS (Global Positioning System), the capabilities of advanced aircraft avionics, and new flight procedures. |
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January 20, 2011 |
For the full year 2010, Southwest Airlines net income was $459 million, or $.61 per diluted share, compared to $99 million, or $.13 per diluted share, for full year 2009. In addition to full year 2010 results including charges related to the proposed acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc.*, and both years' results including special items primarily related to fuel hedging, full year 2009 results included a $35 million charge (net of ProfitSharing and taxes) relating to the Company's 2009 voluntary early-out program. Excluding these special items for both years, full year 2010 net income was $550 million, or $.74 per diluted share, compared to $143 million, or $.19 per diluted share, for full year 2009. |
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January 25, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines significantly upgrades its award-winning corporate blog, Nuts About Southwest, which began in April 2006 as one of the world's first Company blogs. It was originally launched as a means of giving our Customers a look inside Southwest's Culture and operations by allowing users to interact and build personal relationships with our Employees. The enhancements build on that ideology by feeding all of the airlines’ multimedia tools into one space to enhance online conversations with Customers. |
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February 4, 2011 |
More than 60 nonprofit hospitals and charities from across the nation will be participants in Southwest Airlines’ Medical Transportation Grant Program this year. Southwest has nearly doubled the grant program's 2011 budget with hopes of assisting more than 5,500 patients and family members with their medical-related travel needs. Through the Southwest Airlines Medical Transportation Grant Program, the airline provides complimentary, roundtrip tickets to hospitals and medical transportation nonprofit organizations. |
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February 14, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines once again is the title sponsor of the San Francisco Chinese New Year Festival and Parade in the Year of the Hare. To celebrate its 40th Anniversary, Southwest is staging one of its most lavish Parade floats, featuring Lunar New Year including dozens of intricately carved New Year figurines, countless popping firecrackers, pinwheels, fans, a myriad of lucky symbols and blossoms, lions, and dragons. |
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February 15, 2011 |
Stock Clerks represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, reach a tentative agreement with Southwest Airlines. The tentative agreement is for a new, five-year contract through August 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on August 16, 2008. One year ago, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. |
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February 24, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines reaches an agreement with its Pilots, represented by the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), on an initial Transition Agreement that establishes a procedural framework for eventually integrating the Pilots of AirTran Airways into Southwest. The integration addressed by the agreement would follow the official legal closing of Southwest's acquisition of AirTran's parent company, AirTran Holdings, Inc. |
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February 24, 2011 |
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) accepts Southwest Airlines’ transition plan to combine the operations of Southwest and AirTran Airways, following the financial close of its transaction to acquire AirTran. |
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March 13, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines begins service to South Carolina through Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP) and Charleston (CHS). At the official ceremonies the next day, Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, joins Greenville-Spartanburg Executive Airport Director David N. Edwards, Jr. and Airport Chairwoman Minor Shaw in the morning at the airport's airside garden to officially launch the airline's new service to Greenville-Spartanburg. Later in the afternoon, Kelly joins Charleston Aviation Authority Chairman Chip Limehouse, Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce Chairman Robert Pierce, Charleston Regional Development Alliance Chairman Sean Bennett, and Charleston Convention and Visitor's Bureau Chairman Roger Warren in the airport's atrium to officially launch the airline's new service to Charleston. |
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March 17, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines seeks assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act with contract negotiations with its Dispatchers, represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) 550. |
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March 22, 2011 |
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) Airlines Division, representing Southwest Airlines Material Specialists (formerly known as Stock Clerks), ratify a mutually beneficial tentative agreement with the airline. The agreement is for a new, five-year contract through Aug. 16, 2013. The current contract became amendable on Aug. 16, 2008. One year ago, Southwest and the Teamsters agreed to seek assistance from the National Mediation Board through the mediation process as defined by the Railway Labor Act. IBT represents more than 170 Southwest Airlines Employees. |
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March 23, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines confirms that shareholders of AirTran Holdings, Inc., the parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran), have overwhelmingly approved the proposed acquisition of AirTran by Southwest Airlines. More than 98.6 percent of votes cast and 77.5 percent of shares outstanding were voted in favor of the acquisition. |
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March 25, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines celebrates 25 years of service at Nashville International Airport with an anniversary party. National radio and television personality, Storme Warren, emcees the event at the Bridgestone Arena Plaza. |
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March 25, 2011 |
Matt Buckley is promoted to Vice President Cargo & Charters for Southwest Airlines. He began his 29-year career with Southwest in 1982 as a Ramp Agent in Midland, Texas. |
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March 27, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines begins service into the New Jersey/New York area via Newark Liberty International Airport. This new service provides six daily nonstop flights to Chicago Midway and two daily nonstop flights to St. Louis. On March 28, Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO, joined Chris Bollwage, Mayor of the City of Elizabeth, and Bill Baroni, Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, hold a news conference at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. |
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April 1, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines Flight 812, the scheduled 3:25 pm departure from Phoenix to Sacramento, diverts to Yuma, Arizona due to loss of pressurization in the cabin. Upon safely landing in Yuma, the flight crew discovered a hole in the top of the aircraft. There are no reported Customer injuries. One of the Flight Attendants, however, received a minor injury upon descent. A Southwest aircraft with Maintenance, Ramp, and Customer Service agents onboard flies from Phoenix to Yuma to assess the damaged aircraft and support the 118 Customers onboard. They will arrive in Sacramento later in the evening. |
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April 2, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines works with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to determine the cause of a depressurization event during a Phoenix- Sacramento flight on Friday that diverted to Yuma, Ariz. Overnight, the airline worked with engineers from the Boeing Company to further assess the damage to the aircraft and develop an inspection regimen to look more closely at 79 (not 81 as was previously reported) of its Boeing 737 aircraft which are covered by a set of Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directives aimed at inspections for aircraft skin fatigue. Those aircraft will be inspected over the course of the next several days at five locations. Southwest cancels approximately 300 flights on April 2 to accommodate the inspections. Customers may experience sporadic delays of up to two hours on some flights. |
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April 5, 2011 |
As of 9:00 a.m. Central Time Southwest Airlines has completed inspections on all aircraft required before the aircraft can resume scheduled operations. Minor subsurface cracking was found in five aircraft that will remain out of service until Boeing recommends appropriate repairs and those repairs have been completed. Two aircraft are awaiting inspection, which will be completed within the next 24 hours, but Southwest is able to operate regularly scheduled service at this time. |
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April 7, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines has completed all aircraft inspections in accordance with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Directive (AD) that was released on Tuesday, April 5. The airline began operating a normal schedule that morning and does not anticipate the directive impacting the schedule moving forward. |
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April 14, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines Cargo is recognized for excellence in Air Cargo World's annual Air Cargo Excellence (ACE) Survey as the winner of the "up to 199,999 tonnes" category. In addition, Southwest Airlines Cargo received the highest overall rating across all weight divisions and was the highest rated carrier in three of the four performance categories: Customer Service, Performance, and Value. |
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April 14, 2011 |
The respective Unions representing Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and AirTran Airways Pilots, as well as both Companies sign a Four-Party Process Agreement that provides for the two pilot groups to begin their seniority integration discussions prior to legal closing of the AirTran acquisition. It also outlines provisions of an implementation schedule in the event an agreement is reached on an integrated seniority list (ISL). |
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April 18, 2011 |
The American Red Cross recognizes Southwest Airlines for its support of Red Cross disaster response work through the Annual Disaster Giving Program. |
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April 21, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines reports first quarter 2011 net income of $5 million, or $.01 per diluted share, including special items related to non-cash, mark-to-market, and other items associated with a portion of the Company's fuel hedge portfolio. In addition, first quarter 2011 results included approximately $9 million in charges (net of ProfitSharing and taxes) primarily related to consulting fees in association with the Company's proposed acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc. Excluding special items in both periods, first quarter 2011 net income was $20 million, or $.03 per diluted share. |
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April 21, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines announces that it intends to close on its transaction to acquire AirTran Holdings, Inc. on May 2, 2011. Upon close, Southwest also said it anticipates that Bob Jordan, Southwest's Executive Vice President Strategy and Planning, will be appointed as President of AirTran Airways to help guide AirTran through its integration with Southwest. |
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April 23, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines temporarily suspends operations at St. Louis (STL) due to damage sustained during severe weather. The airline resumes its scheduled service on Sunday, April 24. There are no reports of injuries among Southwest Customers or Employees after a reported tornado hits the airport. Southwest operates from Concourse E at Lambert-St. Louis in the East Terminal which has no major damage as a result of the severe weather. |
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April 26, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines' Flight 1919 exits the runway at Chicago's Midway Airport while landing at approximately 1:33 p.m. CT. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-700, arrived from Denver International Airport, where it had departed at 9:56 a.m. MT. No one was injured. The passengers were safely deplaned from the aircraft using air stairs and bused to the terminal. |
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April 26, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines Co. and AirTran Holdings, Inc., the parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran), announce that they have been notified by the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) of the termination of its Hart-Scott-Rodino Act review and the closing of its investigation of the airlines' pending merger. |
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May 2, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines closes its purchase of all of the outstanding common stock of AirTran Holdings, Inc., the former parent company of AirTran Airways (AirTran). "The successful closing of this transaction is a significant accomplishment and marks a great day in the history of Southwest Airlines. I want to thank the People from both Southwest and AirTran who helped us achieve this important milestone," said Gary Kelly, CEO, Chairman, and President of Southwest Airlines. "Our first order of business is to welcome our new friends from AirTran to the family in a truly Southwest Airlines way.” |
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May 5, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines doubles the number of Southwest markets able to connect to Mexico, through both Chicago Midway and Las Vegas. 26 Southwest cities, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest, now connect to Volaris flights between Chicago Midway and Guadalajara, Mexico. These new markets include New York LaGuardia, Boston Logan, Detroit Metro, Newark Liberty International, Baltimore/Washington International, Philadelphia International, Pittsburg International, Minneapolis-St. Paul International, Nashville International, Indianapolis International, Lambert-St. Louis International, and Louisville International, among others. |
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May 5, 2011 |
Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning, assumes the title of President of AirTran Airways, and continues to report to Gary Kelly, as he maintains his current responsibilities for Southwest's Technology, Finance, Internal Audit, and Corporate Planning Departments, while leading AirTran through the integration period. Bob Fornaro, who has served as Chairman, President, and CEO at AirTran, is in a key new role as a full-time consultant for the integration of the two airlines, working closely with Kelly and Jordan to ensure a smooth transition. Brian Hirshman, Southwest's current Vice President Maintenance & Engineering is becomes Senior Vice President Technical Operations effective June 1. Hirshman will join the Company's Executive Planning Committee and will continue reporting to Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven. Vice President Maintenance Operations Jim Sokol will continue to report to Hirshman. Additionally, Kirk Thornburg who has served as AirTran Vice President Maintenance and Engineering will move to report to Hirshman and will serve in a new role as Southwest Airlines Vice President Technical Services. Also effective June 1, Teresa Laraba assumes the title of Senior Vice President Customer Services and Training, as she adds overall senior oversight to the operational training functions. Laraba's existing role in Customer Services remains unchanged as she continues to have overall responsibility for the Customer Service areas within Customer Support & Services, Customer Relations, and Ground Operations. |
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May 12, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines and SeaWorld team to offer Customers great savings on family vacations and the chance to win a trip to visit SeaWorld! I n celebration of Southwest Airlines' 40th Anniversary and SeaWorld's new Shamu show, "One Ocean," the companies partner to give away 40 trips in 40 days! Each prize will include the following for a family of four: tickets to the winner's SeaWorld of choice, hotel accommodations in that city, and roundtrip tickets on Southwest. |
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May 12, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines will partner with EAA’s AirVenture 2011 in Oshkosh the last week of July for the second year in a row and will be a sponsor of the "World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" to honor 40 Years of Southwest history. Southwest's participation will include a recognition and honor of military veterans, educational opportunities for young aviators, a chance to view a Southwest aircraft as few have seen one, and will build to a "Super Saturday" presented by Southwest Airlines, featuring a nighttime air show, fireworks, and concert. |
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May 13, 2011 |
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), which represents Southwest Airlines’ approximately 260 Appearance Techs, announces a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract that becomes amendable February 2015. The current collective bargaining agreement became amendable in February 2009. |
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May 18, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declares a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on June 8, 2011 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 139th consecutive dividend will be paid on June 22, 2011. |
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June 17, 2011 |
In celebration of its 40th Anniversary, Southwest Airlines teams up with the Student Conservation Association (SCA) for the Conservation In Action Tour: 40 Projects for 40 Years. Students from the SCA will travel from coast to coast in a custom-designed Southwest Airlines biodiesel RV. During the summer-long tour, the RV will stop in 25 cities across the country, where the students will join Southwest Employees and community members in conservation projects. |
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June 18, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines celebrates its 40th Anniversary. |
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June 21, 2011 |
In honor of the Southwest Airlines' 40th Anniversary, Customers can purchase one-way tickets for $40, $80, or $120 to select destinations, based on length of travel. For travel up to 450 miles, fares are $40 one-way. For travel between 451 and 1,250 miles, fares are $80 one-way. For travel more than 1,251 miles, fares are $120 one-way. These fares are available for purchase through 11:59 p.m. PDT June 23, 2011, for travel beginning Aug. 23, 2011, through Nov. 16, 2011. |
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July 12, 2011 |
As part of its 40th Anniversary celebration, Southwest Airlines is giving 40 deserving nonprofit organizations across its system the chance to win 40 roundtrip tickets each. Nonprofit organizations focused on community initiatives that concentrate on education, diversity, military, environment, or families facing serious illness will share their stories and explain how they will use the 40 tickets to achieve their missions in the community. |
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July 16, 2011 |
An agreement in principle is reached between the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), the union representing Southwest Airlines Pilots and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing the pilots of AirTran Airways. This agreement in principle, subject to the respective unions' board approval and membership ratification, would integrate the two groups' seniority lists. |
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July 25, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways each release flight schedules for January 8, 2012, through March 9, 2012, that reflect the first effort by the two airlines to coordinate published schedules. While the airlines' networks are not connected at this point, both airlines are working together to publish the best flight schedules to the places Customers want to go. |
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July 27, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines Appearance Techs, represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), reject the tentative agreement it had with the Company. Earlier this year, Southwest and AMFA reached a tentative agreement on a new six-year contract that would have become amendable February 2015. The current collective bargaining agreement became amendable in February 2009. |
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July 28, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines' Board of Directors declare a quarterly dividend of $.0045 per share to Shareholders of record at the close of business on August 25, 2011 on all shares then issued and outstanding. The 140th consecutive dividend will be paid on September 15, 2011. |
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August 17, 2011 |
The Southwest Airlines Board of Directors appoint J. Veronica Biggins to the Board. Biggins was a member of the Board of Directors for AirTran Holdings, Inc., parent company of AirTran Airways, which was acquired by Southwest Airlines in a deal that was completed in May 2011. |
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August 22, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines launches new service to Atlanta (ATL) on February 12, 2012, bringing greatly reduced fares and new flexibility for both business and leisure Customers. With initial fares for nonstop travel as low as $79 one-way, the first Southwest flights to and from Georgia will also mark a significant milestone in the carrier's acquisition of AirTran Airways. From Atlanta, Southwest initially will offer 15 nonstop departures each day to five destinations: Baltimore/Washington (BWI), Chicago Midway (MDW), Denver (DEN), Houston Hobby (HOU), and Austin, Texas (AUS)--a route not previously served by AirTran Airways. |
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September 21, 2011 |
Dress for Success Worldwide, an international non-profit organization that promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women announces that Southwest Airlines has been named the Official Airline of the organization. |
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September 22, 2011 |
Bob Jordan, Southwest's current Executive Vice President Strategy & Planning, is promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and he maintains his role as President of AirTran Airways. In his new role, Jordan will oversee several senior leaders and areas including Marketing, Revenue Management, Customer Relations & Rapid Rewards, Customer Support & Services, the Customer Experience, and Network and Corporate Planning. |
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September 22, 2011 |
A tentative agreement is reached between the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), the union representing Southwest Airlines Pilots, and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing the pilots of AirTran Airways. This tentative agreement would integrate the two groups' seniority lists. SWAPA's Board of Directors and ALPA's Master Executive Council both approved the agreement, allowing the membership of each Pilot's Union to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote. |
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September 30, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines hosts its second annual Diversity and Inclusion Summit themed "Join the Conversation about Civility." Diversity and Inclusion Leaders from many North Texas Fortune 500 companies will participate in the dialogue about diversity and inclusion initiatives, fostering civility in the workplace, and sharing best practices. |
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October 18, 2011 |
For 72-hours only, Southwest Customers can purchase one-way tickets for $35, $65, $95 or $125 to select destinations, based on length of travel. For travel 451 to 1,000 miles, fares are $65 one-way. For travel 1,001 to 1,500 miles, fares are $95 one-way. For travel 1,501 or more miles, fares are $125 one-way. These fares are available for purchase through October 20, 2011, for travel beginning Nov. 30 through Dec. 14, 2011 and Jan. 4 through Feb. 15, 2012. |
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October 20, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines reports a third quarter 2011 net loss of $140 million, or $.18 per share, which included $262 million (net) of unfavorable special items. Excluding special items, third quarter 2011 net income was $122 million, or $.15 per diluted share. |
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November 7, 2011 |
A seniority integration agreement is ratified between the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA), the union representing Southwest Airlines Pilots, and the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), the union representing the pilots of AirTran Airways. This agreement integrates the two groups' seniority lists. SWAPA's Board of Directors and ALPA's Master Executive Council both approved the agreement in September, allowing the membership of each Pilot's Union to review the proposed agreement and ultimately ratify. |
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November 8, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines celebrates "Military Heroes Month" to show support for veterans and service members across the nation. Working with multiple nonprofit organizations throughout November, the airline is saying thank you by giving back and helping to raise money to support military service members and their families. |
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November 15, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines is designated a 2012 Top Military Friendly Employer® by G.I. Jobs. This marks the third consecutive year the Company has been included in the Top 100 Military Friendly Employers® list, which was drawn from a sample of 5,000 companies whose annual revenues exceeded $500 million. Criteria included the strength of company military recruiting efforts, the percentage of new hires with prior military service, retention programs, and company policies toward National Guard and Reserve service. |
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November 17, 2011 |
Production begins on a new series giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at modern air travel, sharing the large-scale operations and personal Customer and Employee stories at Southwest Airlines. The series will air on TLC, and the network has ordered 13 half-hour episodes, which are being produced by ITV Studios America. A title and premiere date have not yet been set. |
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November 17, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines’ Flight Crew Training Instructors, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 557, ratify an extension to their current agreement. The agreement is for a three-year contract extension through December 2015. The current contract would have become amendable on December 31, 2012. |
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December 5, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines and its wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways receive route authority approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for AirTran to operate international flights to new destinations in Mexico beginning as early as May 24, 2012. AirTran's new international flights will include one daily roundtrip between Orange County, Calif., and Cabo San Lucas/San Jose del Cabo and one daily roundtrip between Orange County and Mexico City. AirTran also will initiate four weekly roundtrip flights between San Antonio and Cancun as well as one daily roundtrip flight between San Antonio and Mexico City. |
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December 13, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines will team with longtime partner Boeing to become the launch Customer of Boeing's new 737 MAX aircraft. Southwest is the first Customer to place firm orders for the new, more fuel-efficient 737 MAX, and the Company also will become the first airline to accept delivery of the new aircraft in 2017. As the launch Customer of the 737 MAX, Southwest extends its legacy with Boeing as the 737 launch Customer for the -300, -500, and -700. The 737 MAX is the new-engine variant of the world's best-selling airplane and is powered by CFM International LEAP-1B engines. |
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December 14, 2011 |
Glassdoor, a jobs and career community where people share workplace insights, announces its fourth annual Employees' Choice Awards, revealing this year's top 50 "Best Places to Work" based on surveys collected from U.S.-based employees in 2011. Southwest Airlines has been recognized as one of the top 50 Best Places to Work, a significant achievement, as nearly 150,000 companies are rated by their employees on Glassdoor. |
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December 16, 2011 |
Southwest Airlines launches a one-day only, 50 percent off Wanna Get Away fare promotion. These discounts are available for purchase only at southwest.com or swabiz.com through 11:59 p.m. PST Dec. 16, 2011, for travel between select city pairs Jan. 24 through Jan. 25, 2012, and Jan. 31 through Feb. 1, 2012. |
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December 22, 2011 |
Both the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA), the union representing Southwest Airlines aircraft Mechanics, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), the union representing the Mechanics of AirTran Airways, vote to send a negotiated Seniority Integration Proposal to their respective memberships for a ratification vote. This proposal would integrate the two groups' seniority lists, and also create a single labor agreement. The Executive Boards of each Union agreed to forward the negotiated proposal to the membership of both AMFA and the Teamsters to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote. |
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December 23, 2011 |
A tentative Seniority Integration Agreement is reached between the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 557, the union representing Southwest Airlines Flight Instructors, and the Flight Instructors of AirTran Airways. This tentative agreement would integrate the two groups' seniority lists. The TWU 557 Executive Committee and the Employee Committee representing the AirTran Flight Instructors voted to pass this tentative agreement forward to their respective members, which allows each group to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote. |
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December 26, 2011 |
A tentative Seniority Integration Agreement is reached between the Company, the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 556, the union representing Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, and the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) Council 57, the union representing the Flight Attendants of AirTran Airways. This tentative agreement would integrate the two groups' seniority lists. TWU 556's Executive Board and AFA's Master Executive Council both approved the agreement, which will allow the membership of each Union to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote. |