Southwest Airlines and AirTran Airways Flight Attendants Reach Tentative Agreement
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is pleased to announce that Flight Attendants from AirTran Airways, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co., have reached a tentative agreement on the collective bargaining agreement that became amendable in May 2013. AirTran Flight Attendants are represented by the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA). This tentative agreement still requires membership ratification.
“I applaud the efforts of both parties in reaching an agreement that incorporates rewards and incentives for increased productivity and perfect attendance, while remaining mindful of AirTran’s low cost structure,” said Mike Hafner, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Cabin Services. “This contract includes progressive concepts that are beneficial for AirTran Flight Attendants, while supporting Company objectives.”
The parties have been in discussions since February 2013 on an agreement that would serve as a bridge for the AirTran Flight Attendants until they ultimately transition to Southwest. To date, more than 400 Flight Attendants have made the transition, while approximately 1,700 Flight Attendants remain in the AirTran partition. Southwest Airlines finalized closing of the acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc., on May 2, 2011.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 43rd year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 45,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded, and including wholly-owned subsidiary, AirTran Airways, operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world to serve 97 destinations in 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and six near-international countries. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its triple bottom line approach that takes into account the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities it serves, and its commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2012 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at southwest.com/citizenship.
Southwest Airlines
From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel quantified by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic wherever the carrier serves. On every flight, Southwest offers Customers the first two pieces of checked luggage (weight and size limitations apply) and all ticket changes without additional fees. Southwest's all Boeing fleet consistently offers leather seating and the comfort of full-size cabins, many of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity and a new, sustainable cabin interior. With 40 consecutive years of profitability, the People of Southwest operate more than 3,200 flights a day and serve communities around 86 airports in Southwest's network of domestic destinations. Southwest Airlines' frequent flights and low fares are available only at southwest.com.
AirTran Airways
AirTran Airways, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co., offers coast-to-coast and near-international service with nearly 500 flights a day to 47 destinations. The carrier's high-quality product includes assigned seating and Business Class. As Southwest continues to integrate AirTran's People, places, and planes into Southwest Airlines, Customers of both carriers may book flights at airtran.com and exchange earned loyalty points between both AirTran's A+ Rewards® and Southwest's Rapid Rewards® for reward travel on either airline.
SOURCE Southwest Airlines