Southwest Airlines (Dallas) will open five new daily routes on June 5, 2016 per Airline Route:
Dallas (Love Field) – Burbank
Oakland – Reno
St. Louis to Cleveland, Oakland and Portland, Oregon.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8671D (msn 36715) departs from Los Angeles International Airport.
Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery): 
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) is celebrating the launch of international flights from the new international terminal at William P. Hobby Airport yesterday (October 15). The airline issued this statement:
Employees of Southwest Airlines (LUV) launched a new international chapter on October 15 in a 45-year history of serving Houston by joining with Houston Airport System and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to open a new five-gate concourse, Federal Inspection Station for Customs and Border Protection, new concessions for travelers, and begin daily international service for travelers using Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. Southwest’s new nonstop daily service to a total eight international destinations by November charts a new horizon for Houstonians who value world-renowned Customer Service.
At a news conference that began just as Southwest Flight 305 to Cancun departed from one of five gates in the airport’s new west concourse, Southwest’s local Employees and Company Leadership joined many Houstonians who played a role in bringing international service back to William P. Hobby Airport.
In 2012, the Houston City Council overwhelmingly approved Southwest Airlines’ proposal to expand service across borders from William P. Hobby Airport by building the new international concourse and Federal Inspection Station, thus “freeing Hobby” from domestic-only capability and a historically monopolized market long-burdened by high international airfares. Southwest broke ground on the new facility on Sept. 30, 2013, and two years later has completed the $156 million project both on time and under budget. Southwest worked diligently throughout the construction to give opportunity to Small Business Enterprise and Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (SBE / MWBE), and has exceeded City of Houston SBE / MWBE requirements.
International-themed festivities at the airport throughout the day included a chance for travelers in the terminal to win prizes provided by Southwest Vacations. Ceremony surrounded departures to the new destinations, including Belize City, Belize, Southwest’s 96th and newest city served.
Through William P. Hobby Airport, Southwest Airlines began operating twice daily nonstop service to and from Cancun as well as once daily nonstop options between Houston and Mexico City, Puerto Vallarta, and San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos, a total of four cities in Mexico. Nonstop service linking Costa Rica to Houston also began on October 15 with a daily flight to and from the nation’s capital, San Jose, with additional new service to Liberia in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, Southwest’s 97th city served, scheduled to begin daily operation November 1, 2015, subject to foreign government approval. That same day, Southwest is scheduled to begin daily nonstop service between Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Houston Hobby.
In addition, seasonal service on Saturdays connects Houston nonstop with San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Oranjestad, Aruba, making a total of ten nonstop routes across Latin America and the Caribbean available to Southwest Customers using Hobby Airport.
Copyright Photo: Steve Bailey/Airlinersgallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8643A (msn 42524) departs from Boeing Field in Seattle.
Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) on January 6, 2016, besides those routes previously reported, will add two new routes and also resume service on two other routes. The carrier will start daily service between Boise and Sacramento and Burbank and San Francisco on this day per Airline Route.
The carrier is also resuming service between Indianapolis and Chicago (Midway) and Little Rock and St. Louis on January 6.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8655D (msn 42529) with APB Split Scimitar Winglets prepares to land at Baltimore/Washington.
Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show:
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) has announced it has reached a tentative agreement with its Flight Attendants. Terms of the deal were not released, but the airline said they include wage increases, bonus opportunities, and work-rule adjustments.
According to the airline, Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants, represented by Transport Workers Union (TWU) 556, will be presented with the details of the agreement in the coming weeks, and members will have the opportunity to vote on ratification. The current contract became amendable May 31, 2013. If approved, the new agreement will run through May 2019.
Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8662F (msn 36936) completes its final approach to the runway at Los Angeles International Airport.
Southwest Airlines:
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) has decided to grow the Boeing 737-800 fleet to 135 aircraft by the end of 2016. The airline announced it was converting all 31 pending Boeing 737-700s orders for 2016 to the larger version according to The Seattle Times and Bloomberg News quoting a company statement. The airline will decide later on its pending 2017 and 2018 Boeing 737 orders.
Read the full article: CLICK HERE
Copyright Photo below: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8642E (msn 42525) named “Heart One” was the first -800 painted in the new 2014 livery.
Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) has issued this statement seeking to add 500 additional ramp agents at its major hubs:
Southwest Airlines is on a mission to hire an additional 500 Ramp Agents. Southwest Airlines Ramp Agents provide the famous Southwest Hospitality by handling cargo and baggage service, directing and servicing aircraft, and performing related activities on the airport ramp. Paid relocation assistance may be available for candidates hired from outside the Company who move more than 100 miles for a Ramp Agent position in: Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, and Baltimore.
“We’re looking for people who desire more than just a ‘job.’ More than 71 percent of Southwest Employees define their work at Southwest as ‘a calling,'” said Julie Weber, Vice President People. “The Ramp Agent position can be demanding, with nontraditional hours and exposure to a wide variety of weather conditions. We are looking for hardworking, fun-loving, and caring people who love working with others and giving it their all.”
Southwest is frequently recognized as a best place to work. Most recently: 21 consecutive years on FORTUNE’s list of World’s Most Admired Companies (#7 in 2015); ranked as the top airline employer and one of the top 20 best employers overall on Forbes’ list of America’s Best Employers; and named One of the Best Places to Work in 2015 by Glassdoor.
More than just a paycheck, a career at Southwest Airlines comes with several perks, from Southwest’s legendary Culture to travel privileges for Employees and their eligible dependents. Southwest offers an excellent benefits package, including a dollar-for-dollar match in the 401(k) plan, up to 8.3 to 9.3 percent of eligible salary, as well as annual ProfitSharing payments, which, in 2014, equaled five weeks of pay toward Employee retirement accounts.
Candidates from all walks of life, from military to banking to farmers, and many more, are successful on the ramp. Experience in a physically demanding job, with a flexible work schedule, and in an outdoor environment is great preparation for Southwest Ramp Agent positions. Interested applicants should apply now at Southwest.com/careers.
Copyright Photo: Rob Finlayson/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8642E (msn 42525) named “Heart One” arrives at Los Angeles International Airport.
Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (current livery):
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) has filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide daily, nonstop service between Denver International Airport (DEN) and Lic. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, beginning in November 2015, subject to approvals from relevant governmental agencies.
Southwest will initiate service to Puerto Vallarta, the carrier’s fourth destination in Mexico, on June 7, 2015, with a daily flight both to and from John Wayne Airport Orange County (SNA).
Southwest Airlines began service to Denver on Janury 3, 2006, with 13 daily nonstop departures to three destinations. Southwest now carries more local Customers than any other airline in Denver and operates 185 flights a day to 58 destinations nonstop from Denver, including international service to San Jose del Cabo/Los Cabos and Cancun, Mexico.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8644C (msn 35973) with Split Scimitar Winglets prepares to touch down at Baltimore/Washington (BWI).
Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show:
Malaysia Airlines (Kuala Lumpur) is reorganizing and reinventing itself (code named NewCo) under the former CEO of Aer Lingus and now the new CEO Christoph Mueller who will take control of the struggling carrier on May 1. The new Malaysia Airlines will take to the skies on July 1 as an reinvented airline with only specially invited employees. Will this lead to a new name and/or brand? The latter is very likely.
Image Below: Will the Kelantan kite logo survive the makeover? The red and blue kite logo was updated in October 1987 from the previous all red kite logo of Malaysian Airline System (MAS) of 1972. According the airline the slanted updated 1987 logo was to “express grace in motion but also thrust and dynamism”. So far the kite has also been the symbol of rebirth for the airline (see video below).
Previously on March 20 the board of directors outlined this leadership change and the restructuring effort:
The Board of Directors of Malaysian Airline System Berhad (MAS) announced that Christoph Mueller will assume the post of Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective May 1, 2015
Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, the current Managing Director and Group CEO, will step down from his executive position on April 30, 2015, and be appointed as a Non-Executive Director on the Board, for a period from May 1, 2015 to December 31, 2015.
Mueller is currently a Non-Executive Director on the Board and CEO-designate of the new company Malaysia Airlines Berhad (NewCo).
The decision to bring forward the leadership transition was made by the Board at its meeting on March 18, 2015. Subsequently, the Board sought, via a letter dated March 20, 2015, and received approval on the same day from Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah), the sole shareholder of MAS, for Mueller’s appointment and related matters.
The accelerated leadership transition will enable Mueller to be in a position to lead the overall MAS restructuring effort as it enters one of its most critical phases. It will also provide him with the executive capacity and an appropriate timeframe to prepare NewCo to begin operations. This will have a positive impact on the long-term MAS restructuring effort and provide the best possible chance for a successful turnaround.
Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof, Chairman of MAS, said: “We are pleased to welcome Christoph and look forward to his leadership, as the new Managing Director and CEO, in driving the effort to rebuild and restore our national icon to its rightful status. We would also like to thank Ahmad Jauhari for his dedication and selfless service to MAS from the first day of his appointment on 19 September 2011. He will remain on the Board as a Non-Executive Director to help ensure a smooth transition to NewCo. He has our utmost gratitude and all of us at MAS wish him the very best.”
Christoph Mueller said: “I am honored by the trust placed in me. MAS is not just the national carrier of Malaysia, it is a symbol of national pride, and loyalty and affection towards the airline runs deep among Malaysians. I look forward to working on the restructuring hand-in-hand with our employees, unions, management and the Board to restore the airline’s profitability. All these stakeholders will be asked for their contribution in a very ambitious turnaround plan, but with the continued support of the Malaysian Government, Khazanah, our loyal customers and the travelling public, we will ultimately be successful.”
Following the leadership transition, NewCo will be ready for the migration of MAS’ operations, assets and liabilities on July 1, 2015.
NewCo employees will commence work on September 1, 2015 together with Mueller, who will officially assume the position of NewCo Managing Director and Group CEO on that date.
To affect the employee migration, NewCo will issue employment offer letters to selected MAS employees on June 1, 2015. On the same date, MAS will issue employment termination letters with a three-month notice to all its employees. This variation from the earlier schedule of April 1, 2015 has been approved by Khazanah on March 20, 2015.
The process of identifying the pool of staff that meets NewCo’s requirements is underway, following the completion of a comprehensive talent assessment exercise in February 2015.
Exiting employees will have access to the training and placement services provided by the Corporate Development Centre, which will be operational by the time of the issuance of the termination letters.
Above Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8H6 9M-MSG (msn 40149) in the 2010 livery arrives in Bangkok.
Malaysia Airlines aircraft slide show:
Below photo: Malaysia Airlines. Malaysia Airlines has been using the hashtag #KEEPFLYING as its new advertising theme. The theme really has a double meaning for the airline trying to survive and reinvent itself after two tragic Boeing 777 crashes in one year.
Video: Malaysia Airlines. The airline is attacking its tragic year of 2014 head on and not trying to run away from it:
A look back at 2014, our comeback story:
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) yesterday (April 8) began operating more daily itineraries between Dallas Love Field and nine additional cities around the United States (Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Memphis, Tennessee; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Panama City Beach, Florida; Portland, Oregon; Sacramento, California; San Jose, California; and Seattle/Tacoma, Washington) and will launch Saturday-only flights between Dallas and Charleston, South Carolina, on April 11, 2015.
In addition, Southwest began additional flights between Dallas Love Field and Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood, Oakland (San Francisco Bay Area), and Santa Ana/Orange County. The carrier also initiated daily service between San Antonio and Cancun, and between Kansas City International Airport and New York LaGuardia.
Copyright Photo: Brian McDonough/AirlinersGallery.com. Boeing 737-8H4 N8646B (msn 36935) in the now old 2001 livery and also with Split Scimitar Winglets completes the river approach to Washington’s Reagan National Airport (DCA).
Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (historic liveries):
Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (new livery only):
Southwest Airlines (Dallas) today published 16 additional flights, including service to eight new nonstop cities, from Dallas Love Field. The new routes will begin on August 9, 2015. With this latest service enhancement, Southwest will offer a total of 180 weekday departures to 50 nonstop destinations from Dallas Love Field.
Beginning August 9, 2015, the carrier will start once-daily, nonstop service between Dallas (Love Field) and:
Boston (Logan)
Charlotte
Detroit
Omaha
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Raleigh/Durham
Salt Lake City
Also on August 9, Southwest will offer additional nonstop service between Dallas (Love Field) and Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore/Washington, Houston (Hobby), Little Rock, Chicago (Midway), and Seattle/Tacoma. Finally, Southwest will upgrade the Saturday-only nonstop service between Dallas and Charleston, South Carolina, that is scheduled to begin on April 11, 2015, to daily service on August 9.
Southwest is able to expand at DAL due to the end of the Wright Amendment and the sublease of two additional Love Field gates from United Airlines in the newly rebuilt 20-gate facility, which is a collaborative effort between the City of Dallas and Southwest Airlines.
Airfield construction continues with additional taxiway capacity scheduled to open in mid-March and mid-July and additional ramp space scheduled to open in late August and in November of this year.
Copyright Photo: Tony Storck/AirlinersGallery.com. Southwest continues its fleet modernization efforts to replace its Boeing 737-300 and 737-500 Classic aircraft with more fuel-efficient and longer-range aircraft with winglets. Boeing 737-8H4 N8653A (msn 37037) with the Aviation Partners Boeing Split Scimitar Wings arrives at Baltimore/Washington (BWI).
Southwest Airlines aircraft slide show (new livery only):
