Southwest Slashes Corporate Workforce

The airline is laying off more than 1,700 employees in an “unprecedented” move.

A Southwest 737 MAX 8 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

[ Airline Careers ]February 17, 2025 5:32 pm ET

By Ryan Ewing

Southwest is cutting its corporate workforce, the airline said Monday. This move ‒ a first for the airline ‒ is set to impact roughly 1,750 jobs, or 15% of non-union workers, per a news release.

“We must improve how we work together, maximizing efficiencies and reducing costs. To achieve this goal, we have made the difficult decision to reduce our workforce, almost entirely in Corporate and Leadership positions,” CEO Bob Jordan said in a memo to employees.

Jordan called the move “unprecedented” in the airline’s 53-year history. Southwest has never involuntarily furloughed or laid off workers, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Dallas-based airline continues to aggressively cut costs, including offering some early buyouts to front-line employees at various airports. Monday’s round of layoffs will only impact noncontract employees.

According to the release, these cuts include senior leadership and directors. Eleven senior leadership positions (vice president and above) will also be eliminated, the airline said. Separations will be “substantially complete” by the end of the second quarter of 2025.

With these layoffs, Southwest expects to save approximately $210 million in 2025 and $300 million in 2026. “We are at a pivotal moment as we transform Southwest Airlines into a leaner, faster, and more agile organization,” Jordan stated in the release.

Most employees will no longer work for the company, but will continue to be on payroll until late April.

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Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

Follow Ryan

Author

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.
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