DALLAS, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) announced today several Leadership changes
among the Company's deep bench of top talent. The changes
present opportunities for both promotions and new challenges for
current Southwest Leaders, as the carrier continues its focus on
delivering world-class Reliability and Hospitality.
Craig Drew, previously Vice President, Flight Operations, has
been promoted to a new position as Senior Vice President, Air
Operations. This position will consolidate oversight of all
the operating teams associated with moving aircraft including
Flight Operations, Cabin Services, the Network Operations Control
Center (NOC), and Regulatory Programs & Compliance.
Alan Kasher, previously Managing Director, Regulatory Programs
& Compliance, has been promoted to the Vice President, Flight
Operations.
Mike Hafner, previously Vice President, Cabin Services, will
shift his focus and assume a newly created role of Vice President,
Customer Services.
Sonya Lacore has been promoted to Vice President, Cabin
Services, and will report to Craig
Drew. Sonya was previously Senior Director, Onboard
Experience and Support.
"As our business has evolved and grown more complex over time,
it's more important than ever that we have the best support
possible to provide the foundation and flexibility that will enable
Southwest Airlines' success well into the future," said
Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "We
have several large-scale Company-wide initiatives underway that are
crucial to our future success, and I'm so proud to have such a
talented and experienced group of Leaders to lead the
way."
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
48,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.
Southwest operates more than 3,600 flights a day, serving 97
destinations across the United
States and seven additional countries.
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. 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 created Transfarency℠, a
philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which
low fares actually stay low. 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