DALLAS, Sept. 17, 2015
/PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced
a new tentative agreement with the Southwest Airlines Pilots'
Association (SWAPA), the Union that represents the Company's
Pilots. SWAPA's Board of Directors reviewed an Agreement in
Principle that negotiators reached earlier this month and
decided to conduct a ratification vote that could end more than
three years of negotiations.
The Company said the agreement offers wage increases and
work-rule changes that will benefit the pilot group and position
Southwest to continue its expansion both domestically and
internationally.
"I am encouraged that the Union's Board of Directors has chosen
to put this agreement in front of our Pilots," said Vice President
Flight Operations Craig Drew.
"Everyone on both sides of the table worked hard to fashion a
contract that recognizes and rewards the steadfast professionalism
of our Pilots."
Union Leaders will communicate with Pilots over the next few
weeks to share the details and terms of the agreement. The
ratification vote will close November
4. If Pilots approve the deal, the contract will
become amendable April 1, 2019.
Southwest employs more than 8,000 Pilots. They operate a growing
fleet of 737s and fly roughly 3,600 flights a day to 95
destinations across the United
States and six international destinations.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 45th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV)
continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with
exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 47,000 Employees
to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest
operates more than 3,600 flights a day, serving 95 destinations
across the United States and six
additional countries. Southwest service to Belize City, Belize, begins Oct.
15, 2015. Subject to foreign government approval,
service to Liberia, Costa Rica, begins Nov.
1, 2015.
Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent
data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms
of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates
the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of
which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate
connectivity while over the United States. That connectivity
enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming
music provided by Apple Music or to view video on-demand movies and
television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV
compliments of our valued Partners. *Southwest is the only
major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® to everyone (first
and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply,
some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for
qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare
differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a
bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery,
airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest
Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their
lives.
From its first flights on June 18,
1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented
affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of
Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and
increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new
markets. With 42 consecutive years of profitability,
Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known
for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's
performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the
communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and
the planet. The 2014 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found
at SouthwestOneReport.com.
Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online
at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.
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SOURCE Southwest Airlines