Southwest Airlines News

Southwest Airlines and Amadeus sign contract
Southwest Airlines and Amadeus IT Group announced today that they have entered into a joint contract for Amadeus’ Altea reservations solution that would support the carrier’s international service. Now that the contract is finalised, the two companies will work closely together to implement Amadeus’ technology to allow Southwest to operate international flights in 2014.

Southwest Airlines announces executive changes
Southwest Airlines today announced several executive changes at the Company. Matt Hafner, Southwest’s current Vice President of Integrated Operations, has been named Vice President of the Operations Coordination Center. In this role, Hafner will oversee Southwest’s 3,200 daily flights and AirTran’s more than 600 flights, ensuring that Customers receive a safe and efficient flight experience.

Southwest Airlines renews Sabre reservations system agreement
Southwest Airlines has renewed its reservations system agreement with Sabre Airline Solutions, the aviation industry’s largest software-as-a-service provider. The multi-year contract extends a long-term business relationship between Southwest and Sabre for passenger and operations solutions across Southwest’s domestic network. In May, Southwest Airlines completed its purchase of AirTran Airways and has been working since to merge the two airlines.

Southwest Airlines launches service from Georgia
The People of Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today delivered an early Valentine's gift to travelers who have long-awaited the Atlanta arrival of the carrier's legendary low fares and positively outrageous Customer Service. Continuing the 40-year mission to serve in its communities, Southwest also announced the launch of LUV Grants for Good, making available $150,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations from across the State of Georgia.

Southwest Airlines announces new vice president of people
Southwest Airlines recently announced Julie Weber as the new Vice President of People. In her new position, Weber is responsible for all activities involved in bringing the right People into Southwest Airlines; giving all Employees the opportunity for personal and professional growth; and assuring quality and depth of Leadership throughout the Company.

Southwest Airlines introduces a new sleek cabin experience
Southwest Airlines today introduced a new sleek cabin experience to enhance Customer comfort, improve fleet efficiency, and give back to the environment. Dubbed Evolve: The New Southwest Interior, the cabin update utilizes durable and environmentally responsible products to reduce waste and create weight savings onboard the aircraft, while enhancing comfort for Customers.

Southwest and Airtran flight attendants ratify seniority integration agreement
Southwest Airlines is pleased to announce that Flight Attendants from Southwest Airlines, represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU) 556, and AirTran Airways, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA) Council 57, voted to ratify their Seniority Integration Agreement.

Southwest Airlines becomes Boeing 737 MAX launch customer
Boeing and Southwest Airlines have announced a firm order for 150 fuel-efficient 737 MAX airplanes. The Dallas-based carrier also ordered 58 Next-Generation 737s in what becomes the largest deal in Boeing history both in dollar value, nearly $19 billion at list prices, and the number of airplanes.

Southwest Airlines announces new TV series to air on TLC
Southwest Airlines is proud to announce production will begin this week 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.

AirTran to charge obsese for two seats
AirTran of the United States has become the latest airline to charge obsese passengers for a second seat, mimicking the line of parent Southwest Airlines. “Customers of size” will be forced to pay double for their travel from March next year.

Southwest Airlines executives assume new roles
Southwest Airlines today announced several executive changes at the company. Bob Jordan, Southwest’s current Executive Vice President Strategy & Planning, has been promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and he maintains his role as President of AirTran Airways.
Fashion Victim: Green Day frontman thrown off plane for inappropriate dress
Punk rock kingpin Billie Joe Armstrong has fallen foul of a little known dress-code requirement on board Southwest Airlines. The Green Day front man was asked to leave a plane at Oakland International Airport in California earlier after a stewardess became distressed by his low slung jeans.