Airline Profile: Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is the Leading U.S. low cost/low fares airline operating around 3300, primarily short-haul, high-frequency, point-to-point flights each day to over sixty cities throughout the United States. Passengers can opt to pay a premium for extras offered under the "Business Select" scheme, introduced to attract business travellers. Southwest has served as a model for a number of low-cost, low-fare operations around the world.
History
Founded as Air Southwest by Rollin King and Herb Kelleher with Lamar Muse as President, Southwest adopted the low cost model pioneered by Californian carrier PSA. It began passenger services within Texas under the current branding in June 1971, with the initial fleet consisting of three Boeing 737-200s, serving Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.
Southwest Airlines were listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 1977, operated their first route outside of Texas, to New Orleans in 1979, and in June 1985, acquired its local rival carrier Muse Air.
Southwest's first service to the east coast was flown in 1993, and a year later they took over Salt Lake City-based low cost carrier Morris Air.
In in February 2005, Southwest concluded a major code share agreement with ATA Airlines.
In November 2007 the airline announced "Business Select", which offers passengers preferential boarding; extra Rapid Rewards credits; a free drink coupon; and the option of a full refund or changeable ticket in the event of cancellation, for a premium on top of a full-fare ticket.
On 18 November 2008 Southwest was the only bidder to acquire ATA Airlines, a move intended solely to acquire 14 slots at New York LaGuardia Airport, which Southwest will use to introduce services from the Airport.
Fleet
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