DALLAS, Aug. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that Randy Babbitt, Senior Vice President of Labor
Relations, is retiring after 50 years in the commercial aviation
industry. Babbitt joined Southwest in 2012 and has spent the last
four years leading the carrier's Labor Relations Team.
"We wish Randy all the best in his retirement after a long and
distinguished career in aviation," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive
Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "We are grateful for
his many contributions."
During Babbitt's tenure, Southwest has reached contracts
with six workgroups, including: the Transport Workers Union, Local
555 (Ramp, Operations, Provisioning and Cargo Agents); Transport
Workers Union, Local 557 (Flight Instructors); International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 142
(Customer Service Agents, Source of Support, and Customer Support
and Services); International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline
Division (Flight Simulator Technicians); and two contracts with the
Transport Workers Union, Local 550 (one with Meteorologists, one
with Dispatchers).
Babbitt began his aviation career with Eastern Air Lines in
1966, and he later worked with the Air Line Pilots Association
(ALPA), spent time industry consulting and with the Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) before joining Southwest. Babbitt
will work with his Team on an orderly transition of his
responsibilities before his departure this fall.
ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
In its 46th 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 52,000 Employees
to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest
operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season
across a network of 98 destinations in the United States and seven additional
countries with service to three airports in Cuba expected to begin later this year,
subject to governmental approvals.
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 view video on-demand movies and
television shows, as well as more than 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. The
airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart.
A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat
and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an
updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest
Employees who 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 43 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 2015 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 Co.