Jordan has been under pressure since new investor Elliott Investment Management sent a letter to the Dallas-based airline精东影业 board of directors on June 10, 2024, criticizing the way the airline had been managed in recent years.听

According to , on June 13, 2024, a second investor, Artisan Partners, said it had raised similar concerns with Southwest Airlines.听聽

In a letter sent to Southwest, two investors at Artisan Partners urged the carrier to 鈥渞econstitute itself and upgrade the company精东影业 leadership鈥� and believes that the process should 鈥渃ommence immediately鈥�. 

However, while speaking to journalists after a Politico event in Washington Jordan said he had 鈥渘o plans to resign鈥�. 

鈥淲e鈥檝e got an investor day in September, and I鈥檓 eager to lay out a very broad plan for how we improve the company both from a customer perspective but from a financial perspective,鈥� Jordan said. 

He added: 鈥淓lliott can provide us ideas. They can talk to other shareholders, but Elliott is not directing the company.鈥� 

Elliot holds a $1.9 billion equity position in the airline, equivalent to nearly 11%, while Artisan Partners owns 1.8%. 

Elliot expressed concerns that Southwest Airlines was falling behind its industry peers in critical areas such as IT systems setup, the exploitation of revenue generation opportunities and its operational efficiency.听聽聽聽

Major shareholder calls for Southwest Airlines shake up, CEO resignation

• Airlines

byMiquel Ros

2024-06-11

The slot will see a new, daily nonstop service run from the Washington airport to Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas which is one of five new routes approved as part of the .听

Flights from DCA have traditionally been restricted by a rule that does not permit flights to exceed 1,250 miles, although exceptions to the rule are made.  

It was originally conceived that flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) would operate long-haul flights from the region.  

According to Southwest, the new nonstop service would 鈥減rovide airline consumers with much-needed choices and competition on the DCA to LAS nonstop route that currently has only one flight per day operated by another airline鈥�.听

Southwest says that if awarded the new slot it would 鈥渟ignificantly lower average fares鈥� from DCA to LAS.  

“Southwest has a long history of connecting people across the nation with important moments in their lives through competitive airfares, friendly and flexible policies, and the unmatched Hospitality of our People,” Bob Jordan, President & Chief Executive Officer at Southwest Airlines, said. “We look forward to demonstrating to the DOT that Southwest’s proposal will maximize benefits to the traveling public.” 

Southwest is also applying to provide what would be the only one-stop, same-plane/no change service between DCA and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) via LAS. 

Southwest plans to operate the proposed service between DCA and LAS seven days a week on a Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with 175 seats. 

“We believe Southwest’s proposed new DCA-LAS nonstop service will lower fares and increase access for the nation’s capital, Las Vegas, and western states,” Jordan added. “Customers in both markets will benefit from competitive airfares and nonstop, hassle-free transportation aboard the airline that invented friendly, reliable flying.” 

The five new proposed routes faced stiff opposition before being approved as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act. 

Those against the new routes were concerned that DCA passengers would face more delays at the airport, which is already marred by slot constraints.听聽

What other US airlines plan

On May 15, 2024, Alaska Airlines confirmed it was applying for the nonstop service between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and DCA.    

American Airlines has expressed interest in a nonstop service between San Antonio International Airport (SAT) and DCA. 

United Airlines, which has a heavy presence at IAD, reportedly opposed the new routes while Delta Air Lines is considering its options.  

The DOT has 60 days to approve applications from airlines.听

Brussels Airlines looking at Airbus A321neo and A350 for fleet expansion plans聽

• Airlines

byLuke Peters

2024-05-21

According to the , which spoke with people familiar with the matter, the airline CEOs are frustrated with production problems at Boeing resulting from the planemaker having to address safety issues at its facilities in the wake of the Alaska incident.

Boeing is under pressure to deliver a comprehensive action plan for improving safety going forward to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), following a six-week audit of its factory during which multiple failures were discovered.

In response to calls from the airline chiefs to discuss getting the situation back on track, Boeing has agreed to send board members to meet with them next week.

The CEO of Boeing, David Calhoun, will not be in attendance, but Boeing told the Wall Street Journal that he fully supports the move.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been actively focused on listening to our customers at all levels of our company,鈥� a Boeing official told the Wall Street Journal.

Alaska Airlines, Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines are all waiting on deliveries of jets that are now facing delays.

Boeing delivered around 40 737 MAXs a month at the end of 2023, but this figure is expected to fall to nearer 15 in the near future.

FBI reach out to Alaska 737-9 鈥榲ictims鈥�

In other developments, the has reported that the FBI has contacted passengers who were on board the Alaska Airlines aircraft involved in January精东影业 incident.

The FBI, which is carrying out the recently announced Department of Justice criminal investigation of Boeing, has advised passengers by letter that they may be a 鈥減ossible victim of a crime鈥�.

The Seattle Times was shown a copy of the FBI letter dated March 19, 2024.

鈥淎s a Victim Specialist with the Seattle Division, I鈥檓 contacting you because we have identified you as a possible victim of a crime. This case is currently under investigation by the FBI. A criminal investigation can be a lengthy undertaking, and for several reasons, we cannot tell you about its progress at this time,鈥� the letter reads.

The letter also gives passengers a link to register for updates on the case and an email address to contact the FBI.

Alaska Airlines flight 1282 suffered a rapid decompression when a left mid-cabin door plug separated from the aircraft at 16,000 feet on January 5, 2024.

Boeing CEO unable to tell NTSB exactly who reinstalled door plug on Alaska 737-9

• Aviation Safety

byIan Molyneaux

2024-03-14

The new Southwest Airlines cabin will be transformed and created by design company Tangerine while the seats will be manufactured by .听

Southwest Airlines confirmed on February 2, 2024, that the changes will feature on all its new aircraft delivered from the beginning of 2025. 

According to the carrier the design has been created using extensive research with deep blue tones, sky blue accents, and a nod to the Southwest Heart woven throughout the carpet finally being chosen. 

“Southwest flies above our competition with industry-leading flexibility and our legendary Hospitality,” Tony Roach, Senior Vice President and CCO at Southwest Airlines, said. “Our redesigned cabin interior significantly enhances our inflight customer experience and will complement the amazing service that our Crews provide.” 

The RECARO seats are 鈥渋ntuitively designed鈥� for comfort and to maximize the width and will also come with a multi-adjustable headrest cushion. 

Each seat will include a personal electronic device holder so passengers can watch their own movies and television shows more easily.听

Design Collective by Cintas and uniform brand consultant Bonnie Markel are working with 75 Southwest Airlines employees to create the new staff attire.  

The new look is for Southwest Airlines employees who work in and around airports, including inflight operations, ground operations, cargo, and technical operations.   

鈥淎s the design process unfolds, Design Collective and Bonnie Markel are creating an apparel line that represents the Southwest Brand, with crucial input from the Uniform Inspiration Team Members who bring their everyday working knowledge and experience to ensure the apparel of the future fulfills all their functional and fashion needs,鈥� Abby Groshek, Apparel Designer with Design Collective by Cintas, said. 

Additionally, Southwest Airlines plans to fit USB A and USB C power ports and larger overhead bins on all existing Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-800 aircraft, a process that is anticipated to be completed over the next several years.听

Man jailed for pushing Southwest Airlines cabin crew member during altercation

• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2024-02-02

Michael Goins, 35, from Spring Hill, Tennesse, was aboard a Southwest Airlines from Indianapolis that landed at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) on March 20, 2022.

While the aircraft was waiting to be allocated a gate for deplaning, Goins shouted 鈥渟everal expletives鈥� while speaking on his mobile phone.

A fellow passenger with children felt offended by the bad language, to which Goins responded in an aggressive manner.

An altercation ensued when Goins deliberately pushed his closed fist into a flight attendant精东影业 stomach and shoved her backwards.

At the federal court in Austin, Goins was given the statutory maximum prison sentence for simple assault and ordered to pay $650 compensation.

鈥淭his prison sentence reflects the seriousness of these types of crimes and promotes respect for the law,鈥� US Attorney Jaime Esparza for the , said. 鈥淎irline passengers and employees should be able to travel safely, and this violent behavior cannot be tolerated.鈥�

As well as the Austin Police Department, the case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“As a passenger on an active flight, Mr Goins鈥� disruptive behavior escalated into a violent outburst directed at a flight attendant,鈥� FBI Special Agent Aaron Tapp said. 鈥淭he FBI is dedicated to ensuring Americans can go to work and travel by plane without the fear of being attacked.鈥�

Several people killed as Beechcraft crashes at US mobile home park: video

• Aviation Safety

byIan Molyneaux

2024-02-02

The agreement, which has been over three years in the making, was accepted by 92.73% of Southwest pilots with nearly 99% of the (SWAPA) members voting.听聽

The SWAPA confirmed on January 22, 2024, that its members accepted the proposed deal which was first put to them in December 2023.  

鈥淭his has been a long time coming and it is only through the unity of our pilot group that we were able to achieve the gains in this contract,鈥� SWAPA President Captain Casey Murray, said. 鈥淭his new CBA will bring our pilots the security and protections that have been long needed.鈥� 

Included in the new contract is an immediate increase in salary of 29.15% once the deal is ratified, followed by a 4% raise in 2025, 2026, and 2027, and a further 3.25% in 2028. 

The contract also contains new terms surrounding pilot scheduling, maternity and paternity leave, disability coverage and increases to retirement benefit.  

Murray added: 鈥淭he implementation of this contract will take some time to get right but we will work with Southwest to make sure that all the changes that improve our pilots鈥� quality of life take place as quickly as possible.鈥� 

Southwest also lauded the agreement which will improve conditions for nearly 11,000 of its pilots.  

“Our pilots are world-class aviators who uphold Southwest’s commitments to safety, hospitality, and connecting people to what’s important in their lives,” Adam Carlisle, Vice President Labor Relations at Southwest Airlines, said. 鈥淭his agreement justly rewards our pilots and supports our operational needs.” 

Southwest has worked with nine unions since October 2022 to ratify new agreements for staff including customer service agents, dispatchers, flight instructors and meteorologists. 

However, Southwest remains in negotiations with two unions, including the Transport Workers Union (TWU) which represents over 15,000 flight attendants.  

Delta, United Airlines and American Airlines all ratified new pilot contracts in 2023 which saw aviators receive bumper pay increases. 

As the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues at pace the need for new pilots in the United States (US), and the rest of the world, has surged.  

As airlines clamor to recruit new pilots the number of benefits and salaries being offered to potential employees are at an all-time high.听

Exploring the use of robotics and automation to enhance airport ground handling

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-07-06

The fiasco became known as the 鈥渉oliday meltdown鈥� due to over two million passengers becoming stranded in the peak of Christmas holiday season and into the New Year.   

The said the civil penalty was given for 鈥渘umerous violations of consumer protection laws during and after the operational failures鈥� of Christmas and New Year 2022.听聽

According to the DOT, the penalty is 30 times bigger than any given for consumer protection violations before and is a warning to other airlines of the consequences if they fail to protect consumers during disruptions.  

鈥淭he majority of the penalty will go towards compensating future Southwest passengers affected by cancellations or significant delays caused by the airline,鈥� the DOT said. 

Southwest Airlines has already paid more than $600 million in refunds and reimbursements.听

鈥淸This] action sets a new precedent and sends a clear message: if airlines fail their passengers, we will use the full extent of our authority to hold them accountable,鈥� Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, said. 鈥淭aking care of passengers is not just the right thing to do 鈥� it’s required, and this penalty should put all airlines on notice to take every step possible to ensure that a meltdown like this never happens again.鈥� 

The DOT found that Southwest failed to provide adequate customer service assistance, failed to provide prompt flight status notification and failed to provide refunds in a prompt and proper manner. 

In response Southwest said it was 鈥済rateful to have reached a consumer-friendly settlement鈥�. 

Southwest will also be required to establish a $90 million compensation system so future passengers affected by significant delays and cancellations can be given a transferable $75 voucher for future use on the airline. 

“We have spent the past year acutely focused on efforts to enhance the Customer Experience with significant investments and initiatives that accelerate operational resiliency, enhance cross-team collaboration and bolster overall preparedness for winter operations,” Bob Jordan, Southwest Airlines President & Chief Executive Officer said. “Our commitment to Customers has been central to our success across our 52-year history and has helped us become one of the world’s most admired and trusted airlines.” 

Flight cancellations in 2002 were driven by a meltdown of Southwest精东影业 operations between Christmas and New Year following a storm that resulted in record cold temperatures across the majority of the US.听

Exploring the use of robotics and automation to enhance airport ground handling

• Aviation Technology and Innovation

byJean Carmela Lim

2024-07-06

The announcement, made on October 26, 2023, means that Southwest精东影业 orderbook with Boeing for the 737 MAX aircraft has swelled to over 500 jets. as it looks bolster its fleet with both 737-7 and 737-8s.

“We have a long history with Boeing, dating back more than 50 years to the day we commenced service with three Boeing 737 aircraft serving three cities,” Bob Jordan, president and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines, said. “They’re part of our history and part of our future as we continue to recognize the many efficiencies and cost savings of a single fleet.”

The 737-7, which is still awaiting certification, has the longest range in its class, capable of flying up to 3,800 nautical miles and carrying up to 172 passengers.

Southwest has been enticed by the 737 MAX精东影业 鈥渆nhanced environmental performance鈥�, which allows carriers to reduce fuel use compared to the previous generation of planes.

The 737 MAX is also quieter, generating a smaller noise footprint than the older jets it will replace.

“With the world’s largest all-Boeing, all-737 fleet, Southwest is counting on the exceptional efficiency and reliability of the 737 MAX family,” Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said. “The 737-7 is pivotal to Southwest’s long-term fleet modernization strategy, and we are honored to have the airline’s continued trust in us to deliver its future fleet.”

According to , Southwest currently has a total of 784 planes active in its fleet, comprising 205 737-8s, 380 737-700s and 199 737-800s.

Southwest Airlines plaque commemorates carrier精东影业 1,000th Boeing 737 delivery聽

• Aircraft
• Airlines

byIan Molyneaux

2023-10-03

Things came to light before the flight精东影业 departure, when the cabin crew found there was one passenger who did not have a seat. 

The crew then manually checked everyone精东影业 IDs to match with their boarding passes and the flight manifest. 

After 40 minutes of checking, one passenger at the back of the plane calmly stood up and exited the aircraft. 

The passenger appeared concert-ready, wearing a Beyonce Renaissance Tour shirt. The American singer, coincidentally, had a concert that evening at the New Orleans Caesars Superdome. 

The incident was caught on camera by Corey Moody, a passenger on the plane seated across the determined Beyonce fan.

鈥淵our lady somehow snuck on to this flight to New Orleans trying to see Beyonce and got caught because someone was still standing up with no seat after boarding.. we sat for 40 minutes while they investigated and she was right next to me,鈥� Moody captioned the video.

The video shows the alleged stowaway standing and getting her bags from the overhead bin and exiting the plane without saying anything.

However, Moody and the other passengers were in disbelief as to how she was able to board the plane.

鈥淵ou鈥檙e embarrassing Beyonce!鈥� Moody called out to the passenger.

Because she was carrying a boarding pass, Moody surmised that she was on a different flight and tried to get on an earlier flight to catch the concert in time. 

In a statement to the NY Post, Southwest confirmed the incident, saying: 鈥淭he Customer who deplaned held a boarding pass for that flight, but it did not scan properly. Thus, their seat was given to a standby Customer whose pass was scanned properly. The Customer who deplaned went on the next flight to New Orleans.鈥�

Beyonce appears to have fans that are dead set on attending her concerts. On September 14, 2023, a fan flying to Seattle, Washington was denied boarding due to his oversized wheelchair. The singer herself ended up arranging things herself and flying the fan to her concert.

Beyonce精东影业 Renaissance World Tour started in May 2023 and will end on October 1, 2023.

Beyonc茅 flies disabled man after he精东影业 denied flight due to oversized wheelchair

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2023-09-26

A Southwest Airlines passenger however, recently took to social media to air her frustration after a flight attendant allegedly outfit-shamed her in front of other passengers. 

Maggi Thorne is an athlete, American Ninja Warrior competitor, and a motivational speaker. Thorne was flying on flight WN 1039 from Oakland Airport (OAK) to Santa Ana Airport (SNA).

On a post dated September 2, 2023, Thorne said: 鈥淎 Southwest Airlines flight attendant just shamed me in front of passengers, saying my attire wasn鈥檛 appropriate. A tank top and high waisted pants. Flight 1039,Is this really happening in 2023? The passengers around me were stunned as she shamed me for all to hear.鈥�

Thorne included a photo of her wearing the outfit, and also a video clip of the flight attendant doing her rounds. 

The low-cost carrier replied to Thorne, saying it is sorry to hear that her experience had left her doubting the airline精东影业 commitment to customer service.

Mixed reactions

Thorne精东影业 post garnered mixed reactions, with plenty pointing out that she was not, in fact, wearing a tank top but a sports bra, which many find inappropriate.

Another pointed out that it精东影业 better to take the dress code 鈥渦p a notch鈥� when traveling, and save the sports bra for the gym and working out.

Meanwhile, others seem to be on Thorne精东影业 side, with one saying she should be able to wear anything she wants since she is paying. 

Does Southwest Airlines have a dress code?

A report by the said that after the incident, Thorne messaged a friend of hers who happens to be a Southwest flight attendant. Thorne asked her friend if the airline has a dress code, to which the friend said no. 

On its website, Southwest makes reference to a loose dress code in its guideline to saying, 鈥淒ress to impress. While Southwest精东影业 dress code is relaxed and casual, you will be expected to present a clean, wellgroomed, and tasteful appearance.鈥�

Alaska Airlines ordered to remove gendered rules on flight attendant uniforms

• Airlines

byJean Carmela Lim

2023-05-03