southwest

The airline’s transformation chief, Ryan Green, leaves as activist investor Elliott plans to take a bigger stake in the carrier.

Southwest has never involuntarily furloughed or laid off workers in its 53-year history, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Southwest added that its IATA membership will benefit the carrier in several ways, including partnerships and a broader voice within the travel industry.

Later this year, Delta and Southwest will be left as the only two remaining airlines regularly serving the North Texas airport.

The Dallas-based carrier’s comments come after increased scrutiny over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices within the aviation industry.

Even with conservatively planned delivery numbers, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said the beleaguered manufacturer “appears to be on a good path.”

The Department of Transportation has announced a lawsuit against Southwest and has fined Frontier for illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights.

The airline will suspend nonunion hiring and promotions. Most summer internship offers will also be paused, he said in the memo on Monday.

Two longtime Southwest executives are set to retire in April. The Dallas-based airline announced the leadership changes on Thursday.

In December, major carriers and their regional counterparts canceled nearly 6,000 flights, roughly double the 3,000 in December 2023.