Southwest Airlines Continues Companywide Commitment Toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Southwest Airlines Continues Companywide Commitment Toward Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Southwest Airlines shared an update this week with its Employees, Customers, and Partners on the progress the airline has made during the last year and its next steps within the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roadmap. In September 2020, Southwest Airlines announced Company goals to strengthen and improve efforts to create more diverse, equitable, and inclusive job opportunities and candidate pipelines while championing a welcoming environment for all Employees.

"Summer 2020 was a season of learning for Southwest Airlines in many ways; it heightened our awareness of social injustice and initiated an increased focus on our own diversity and inclusion efforts. We started with evolving our existing Company Values around how we show up individually, how we treat each other, and how we work as a Team," said Bob Jordan, Executive Vice and incoming CEO at Southwest Airlines. "We identified that the first step toward accomplishing these goals was concentrating on key areas such as diversifying Senior Leadership, enhancing diversity in hiring, providing mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, improving the retention and upward mobility of diverse talent, and training Leaders and Employees. In the past year, we have taken tangible steps to update the required infrastructure, processes, and practices to meet these objectives."   

Today, the carrier is making steady progress in its processes to increase racial and gender diversity in Leadership. The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Department formed an Executive Steering Committee to support the strategic direction of this progress. Additional strides include evolving the Company's talent acquisition processes by requiring diverse candidate pools, inclusion training for all hiring Leaders, and the creation of a Diversity Recruiting Center of Excellence (COE). Southwest Airlines is currently working with more than 188 community partners in support of its efforts to continue developing diverse and inclusive talent pipelines and expanding recruiting efforts. Southwest also recently launched a formal Sponsorship and Mentorship Program and is enhancing its existing Supplier Diversity Program.

Southwest expands operations at Austin

With the population of Texas’ capital city continuing to grow, the U.S. budget carrier Southwest is introducing more services than ever before in central Texas. The low-fare airline plans to increase service on March 10, 2022, by more than 20 flights a day with nonstop service between Austin and nine new and returning destinations, as well as add additional frequencies on routes already served from the capital of Texas. In total, Southwest now will offer nonstop service between Austin and 46 destinations on up to 105 departures a day.

New Destinations

Beginning March 10, 2022, Southwest’s schedule includes daily nonstop service between:

Austin and Amarillo, Texas

Austin and Charleston, S.C.

Austin and Columbus, Ohio (will also operate during peak holiday travel periods in 2021)

Austin and Midland/Odessa, Texas (previously flown nonstop in 2009)

Austin and Ontario, Calif.

More Beaches, Please

On March 12, 2022, Southwest plans to start new international service between Austin and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, subject to requisite government approvals. The same day, seasonal weekly flights are scheduled to return on Saturdays between:

Austin and Panama City Beach, Fla.

Austin and Sarasota/Bradenton

Austin and Destin/Fort Walton Beach

“We’re celebrating a growing Customer base in Central Texas with this major investment designed specifically for Austin’s business and leisure travelers,” said Dave Harvey, Southwest’s Vice President of Southwest Business. “As we continue to strengthen our network in Austin, Customers will see more flights on key routes as well as new destinations across our map, while enjoying Southwest’s world-famous Hospitality.”

This week also marks a major milestone for Southwest Airlines and the Austin community. The airline first began serving Austin on Sept. 15, 1977.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Leadership changes at U.S. budget airline Southwest

Tom Nealon, 60, has decided to retire from his duties as President effective immediately but will continue to serve the Company as a strategic advisor, focusing primarily on the airline's environmental sustainability and carbon emissions reduction plan. Nealon has held numerous leadership positions during his tenure with the airline, including Executive Vice President Strategy & Innovation from 2016 to 2017, Director on the Southwest Board from 2010 to 2015, and in a consultant capacity as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer from 2002 to 2006. 

"I'm honored to have served Southwest throughout the years in several different capacities, and especially to have been President of the best airline in the business," Nealon said. "I look forward to continuing to serve and advise Southwest on strategic initiatives, and most importantly, on the airline's long-term environmental sustainability plans."

Gary Kelly, Southwest's Chairman and CEO, announced on behalf of the Southwest Airlines Board of Directors that Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven, 59, has been named as the Company's President, effective immediately. Van de Ven will take on the additional responsibilities of the Company's Internal Audit, Business Continuity, Emergency Response, and Enterprise Risk Management functions.

Southwest Airlines Donates $150,000 to Disaster Relief Organizations

                      Southwest Airlines has announced a donation of $150,000 to its national disaster relief partners, American Red Cross, Feeding America®, and Team Rubicon. This financial commitment is fulfilled through the Southwest Airlines® Foundation, a corporate-advised fund within the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Southwest Airlines is pleased to partner annually with American Red Cross, Feeding America, and Team Rubicon, to support efforts focused on preparedness, response, and resilience. The carrier is providing a $50,000 grant to each of these organizations, to assist with relief operations from the recent refugee resettlements, wildfires, earthquakes, and tropical storms including the latest, Hurricane Ida.

In an effort to provide the highest level of support to the community, Southwest invites its Customers and Employees to join these relief efforts through its Rapid Rewards® points promotion running today, Sept. 1, 2021, through Oct. 4, 2021. Rapid Rewards Members who donate a minimum of $25 to the American Red Cross, Feeding America, or Team Rubicon, will receive 20 Rapid Rewards points for every dollar donated*. Visit Southwest.com to donate to one or more of the organizations working on the frontlines providing much-needed relief to impacted communities.

Southwest Airlines now offering Rapid Rewards members a fast track way to A-List or A-List Preferred status

The U.S. budget carrier Southwest Airlines has launched a new way for its Rapid Rewards Members to earn double Tier-Qualifying Points* toward Tier Status with any qualifying flight from Sept. 3, 2021, through Nov. 30, 2021. Members must register for this promotion, book on Southwest.com, and travel now through Nov. 30, 2021, to fast track their way to Tier Status for 2022.  

"We understand the pandemic continues to make it difficult for existing Members to earn Tier Status and enjoy benefits that come with achieving it," said Corbitt Burns, Southwest Airlines' Director of Rapid Rewards. "Loyalty has never been as important to them and to us, and we want to provide Members with a fast and easy way to reach their next level, whether it is A-List or A-List Preferred status."

Earlier this year, Southwest gave all Rapid Rewards Members a boost to 2021 Tier-Qualifying activity and also gave qualifying Rapid Rewards Companion Pass Holders extended benefits through the end of 2021.

Join Rapid Rewards

The Rapid Rewards program is designed around a simple concept—make earning reward flights faster and easier. With Rapid Rewards, Members qualify for unlimited reward seats, there are no blackout dates, and points do not expire. 

Customers can join Rapid Rewards at Southwest.com.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Southwest Airlines reaches agreement with customer service union

Southwest Airlines and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have reached a Tentative Agreement for Southwest's more than 5,000 Customer Service Employees.

"The parties concluded these negotiations with an agreement designed to reward our hard-working Employees, support future market expansion for Southwest, and increase our overall efficiency," said Vice President of Labor Relations Russell McCrady. "We appreciate the work by both Negotiating Committees, along with the assistance of the National Mediation Board, to get us to this point."

Composed of the Company's Customer Service Agents, Customer Representatives, and Source of Support Representatives, these employees deliver excellent customer service by helping our customers get to their destinations, whether that is taking a phone call to change a customer's travel plans or assisting a customer or fellow employee on the ground at one of the airports we serve.

The IAM will communicate to its membership the details of the Tentative Agreement and the ratification process.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

New deal with Sabre sees Southwest Airlines offering its flights on all three major global distribution systems - Sabre, Travelport and Amadeus

The U.S. budget carrier Southwest Airlines has this week begun offering flights for sale within Sabre's global distribution system (GDS), the leading corporate booking channel in the US. With a rollout of the partnership now complete, Southwest Airlines for the first time in its history offers an ability for business travellers and travel decision-makers to book Southwest flights at an industry-standard level of participation within all three major GDSs.

"As we bring the Southwest Effect to business travel, our number one focus continues to be removing friction when booking travel, while at the same time investing in the booking channels used most by travellers and travel decision-makers," said Dave Harvey, Vice President of Southwest Business. "Thanks to our new partnership with Sabre, we're able to provide the ability for more organizations than ever before to quickly book and modify travel with just a few clicks. As more businesses begin to open, we look forward to welcoming more travelers back to the sky with Southwest's famous Hospitality and Heart that sets Southwest apart within the airline industry."

"Today, our 26 year partnership with Southwest Airlines reaches an important milestone as we launch Southwest's air content fully integrated within the Sabre system, making it easier for travel management companies and corporations to shop, book and service Southwest flights on behalf of their business travelers," said Andy Finkelstein, Senior Vice President of  Global Agency Sales & Corporate Solutions  for Sabre Travel Solutions. "Not only does this greatly expand Southwest's reach into the business travel segment, Sabre's travel agency and corporate customers will experience the increased efficiency, productivity and cost-savings that comes from booking Southwest through our agency point-of-sale, Sabre Red 360 and our corporate booking solution, GetThere."

Launched in 2019, Southwest Business set out to revolutionize the way it focuses on the business travel space by adding content to Travelport, Amadeus, and Sabre's GDSs including settling GDS purchased tickets through Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), growing its Sales Team across the country, and enhancing the tools business travel decision makers need to manage their respective travel programs.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Follow this site here.

Southwest Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Southwest Second quarter net income of $348 million, or $.57 per diluted share, driven by a $724 million offset of salaries, wages, and benefits expenses related to the receipt of Payroll Support Program (PSP) proceeds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

Excluding special items¹, second quarter net loss of $206 million, or $.35 loss per diluted share

Second quarter operating revenues of $4.0 billion, down 32.2 percent compared with second quarter 2019

Generated second quarter operating cash flow of $2.0 billion and free cash flow¹ of $1.9 billion; achieved positive average daily core cash flow² in June

Ended second quarter with liquidity³ of $17.9 billion, well in excess of debt outstanding of $11.4 billion

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "Second quarter 2021 marked an important milestone in the pandemic recovery as leisure travel demand surged. We generated net income in June 2021, representing our first monthly profit without taking into account the benefit of temporary salaries and wages cost relief provided by PSP proceeds, since the negative effects of the pandemic began in March 2020. While the rapid ramp-up in June travel demand provided stability to our financial position, it has impacted our operations following a prolonged period of depressed demand due to the pandemic. Therefore, we are intensely focused on improving our operations as we restore our network to meet demand. I am beyond thankful for our People, who are heroes, and whose resiliency, hard work, and unwavering resolve is on display every day. I am pleased for them that we were able to accrue $85 million of profit-sharing for our Employees in the second quarter of 2021, for a total of $109 million in the first half of 2021.

"Compared to the last four quarters, second quarter 2021 operating revenues significantly improved, decreasing 32.2 percent compared with second quarter 2019. June 2021 operating revenues decreased 20.7 percent, compared with June 2019. Monthly operating revenue trends improved sequentially throughout the quarter. Leisure passenger traffic in June 2021 rebounded above June 2019 levels, while passenger fares were comparable with June 2019. Based on current bookings, leisure passenger traffic and fares in July are expected to trend higher than July 2019 levels. Business revenues continue to lag leisure revenue trends; however, we are encouraged by the improvement in business revenues in second-quarter of 2021, and we continue to experience steady weekly improvements in business bookings, thus far, in July 2021.

Southwest making top level changes.

Southwest Airlines announced that Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly will transition roles in early 2022, becoming the carrier's Executive Chairman with the desire to serve in that role through at least 2026 at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Executive Vice President Corporate Services Robert Jordan will become Kelly's successor as CEO effective Feb. 1, 2022. Jordan also will join the Board at that time.

"On behalf of the Southwest Airlines Board of Directors, I am delighted to announce Bob Jordan as CEO," Kelly said. "Bob and I have worked side by side for more than 30 years. He is a gifted and experienced executive and well-prepared to take on this important role. Working closely with President Tom Nealon and Chief Operating Officer Mike Van de Ven, we will begin developing transition plans in the coming weeks and months. These three top-notch Leaders make for a powerful team to lead us forward."

Serving as CEO since 2004, Kelly, 66, has led Southwest through some of the airline industry's most turbulent times. Kelly is a 35-year Southwest veteran who began his career at Southwest Airlines as Controller, moving up to Chief Financial Officer and Vice President Finance, then Executive Vice President and CFO, before being promoted to CEO and Vice Chairman in July 2004. He assumed the roles of Chairman and President in 2008. In January 2017, Kelly relinquished the title of President and named former Southwest Board Member and Executive Tom Nealon to the executive team as President. Prior to joining Southwest Airlines in 1986, Kelly was a CPA for Arthur Young & Company in Dallas and Controller for Systems Center, Inc.

Southwest at 50......new podcast recounting the company's colourful history

 Southwest Airlines this week celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the carrier's first commercial flights, which took place on June 18, 1971. To offer Customers and Employees a unique perspective on stories from the airline's colourful history, Southwest, L.A. Times Studios, and At Will Media partnered to create the airline's first public-facing episodic podcast series, called "Is This Seat Open?" which includes 20 episodes.

"As we look back on 50 years of Southwest Airlines, our world and our industry have changed significantly, but what has remained constant is the Heart demonstrated by the People of Southwest," said Linda Rutherford, Senior Vice President and Chief Communication Officer. "We're a Company full of remarkable stories, thanks to the diverse group of Employees and Customers who define Southwest, so what better way to celebrate our milestone 50th Anniversary than to share some of this rich history. These one-of-a-kind stories set Southwest apart, show the Heart and Hospitality of our Employees, and will serve as the foundation for the next 50 years and beyond."

The podcast title, "Is This Seat Open?" draws upon Southwest's open-seating policy, which is one of the ways the Company uniquely stands out in the industry and has been in place since the airline's founding in 1971. "Is This Seat Open?" is available on all podcast platforms, including iHeartRadio, Stitcher, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. There are currently 10 episodes available, with additional episodes launching on June 15 and June 22 for a total of 20 episodes in the series.

Southwest Airlines adds more flights and extends schedule to January 2022.

The giant U.S. low-cost carrier, Southwest Airlines has extended its bookable flight schedule through to  January 5th, 2022 as well as adding the carrier’s 18th new airport since early 2020. Plus, increasing demand has caused the airline to reinstate a number of other flights. 

The budget airline also announced a service to Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) in New York, which will begin on November 14th, 2021. Syracuse will become the 121st airport for Southwest.

“We’re continuing to expand our service bringing low fares, flexible policies, and world-famous Hospitality to more people, making it easier to choose Southwest,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Commercial Officer & Executive Vice President for Southwest Airlines. “Our latest destination in the Finger Lakes region of Upstate New York not only allows New Yorkers easier access to our growing network, but brings the offerings of Upstate New York to our existing Customers.”

18th June is "Wanna Get Away Day" says Southwest Airlines in honour of 50th anniversary of first flight

Southwest celebrates its 50th Anniversary with sweepstakes offering more than 50 million Rapid Rewards bonus points, Southwest gift cards, and Companion Passes throughout the month of June.

Southwest Airlines is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, with June 18 marking 50 years since the carrier's first commercial flight. Therefore the budget carrier has named 18th June as Wanna Get Away Day.

In 1996, Southwest coined the phrase "Wanna Get Away" to highlight the Company's expansion, as well as creating humorous moments relevant to its customers within its marketing. As Wanna Get Away has become an iconic and recognized expression for the brand, Southwest took it a step further to celebrate its 50th Anniversary by announcing this new annual day. Beginning this week, customers have the chance to engage with Southwest throughout the month of June, with its biggest surprises occurring on its anniversary and newly-branded day.

No one knows how to throw a party like Southwest Airlines. Southwest Employees will celebrate this milestone, and customers will be able to participate in the fun. In celebration of Southwest's 50th Anniversary, the carrier is giving customers the chance to win a total of 50 million Rapid Rewards bonus points from June 1, 2021, through June 18, 2021. Customers will have daily opportunities to win Rapid Rewards bonus points, with Southwest gift cards, and Companion Passes also up for grabs on June 18. Visit Southwest50.com/WannaGetAway to view full terms and conditions and to enter for a chance to win.

Southwest Airlines donates to National Forest Foundation and launches the One Report in the spirit of citizenship

Southwest Airlines announced today it has donated to the National Forest Foundation (NFF) in honour of the Company's 50th Anniversary. To commemorate this special occasion, Southwest is working with NFF to plant 1,000 trees for each of the carrier's 50 years of service. The 50,000 trees will be planted throughout California, Georgia, and Oregon, in an effort to help support wildfire recovery, restore native ecosystems, improve water and air quality, and reduce soil erosion. This $50,000 donation is being funded through the Southwest Airlines Foundation, a corporate advised fund housed within the Silicon Valley Community Foundation.

Protecting the Planet for future generations is important to Southwest, and the Company encourages Employees and Customers to support these efforts by visiting swa.is/treeplanting. For every dollar donated to the NFF, the organization will plant one tree—supporting efforts to conserve the nation's forest, watersheds, wildlife, and recreation resources. Every donation made through this site will also count toward Southwest's one million Acts of Kindness challenge.

One Report Launch

Southwest Airlines Returns to Costa Rica

The biggest budget carrier in the U.S., Southwest Airlines has confirmed it will restart daily service to both international airports in Costa Rica: Liberia, Guanacaste (LIR), and the capital region, San Jose (SJO), next month.  

Southwest resumes service to Central America nonstop from both Houston (Hobby) and Baltimore/Washington (BWI)

New Southwest service links Denver nonstop to more coastal cities

Additional Southwest service to Chicago (Midway & O'Hare), St. Louis, and Kansas City

"We're excited to continue reestablishing previously served international service by reuniting the warm Hospitality of Costa Rica with the Heart and value of Southwest," said Andrew Watterson, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer. "We're seeing more demand for our international routes that already take our Customers to Aruba, Cancun, Cozumel, Havana, Los Cabos, Montego Bay, Puerto Vallarta, and Punta Cana."

Daily service from Houston from 6th June:

Southwest will resume daily nonstop service to Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (LIR), and San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO), with additional connecting service to cities in the U.S, from Houston (HOU) to Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (LIR), and San Jose, Costa Rica.

Seasonal services from Baltimore starting 12th June:

Southwest Airlines will operate additional nonstop service for the summer season on Saturdays between Baltimore/Washington (BWI), and Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica (LIR),

Southwest's passengers can buy now and pay later......

Uplift’s flexible payment options are now available for Southwest Airlines flights to more than 100 destinations

Uplift, the only enterprise Buy Now, Pay Later solution serving the world's top travel brands, has announced a new partnership with Southwest Airlines.  Customers can now book their Southwest Airlines flights to more than 100 U.S. and international destinations while using Uplift's flexible payment options to pay over time for their travel.

Uplift is seeing strong pent-up consumer demand for travel as COVID-19 case counts decline and vaccinations ramp up. Using Uplift as a Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) payment option gives Southwest customers the freedom to book trips when they are ready, and spread the cost over a series of affordable monthly payments. Uplift is seamlessly integrated into the Southwest.com booking process for a frictionless customer experience. Customers will see the total cost of their trip at the time of booking along with the monthly payment amount, letting them take control of their budget and experience the travel that they deserve.

Budget carrier Southwest reports its first quarter 2021 results - net loss of $1 Billion.

The leading U.S. budget carrier has released details of its operating performance in the first quarter of the year, recording a net loss of around $1billion. Total debts for the airline are in excess of $10 billion.

First quarter net income of $116  million, or $.19 per diluted share, driven by a $1.2 billion

    offset of salaries, wages, and benefits expenses from the extended Payroll Support Program

    (PSP Extension) proceeds under the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021

    Excluding special items, first quarter net loss of $1.0 billion, or $1.72 loss per diluted share

    First quarter operating revenues of $2.1 billion, down 51.5 percent year-over-year

    Ended first quarter with debts outstanding of  $10.8 billion

Gary C. Kelly, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "In first quarter, we benefited from temporary cost relief as a result of PSP Extension proceeds, which offset a portion of salaries, wages, and benefits expenses, resulting in first quarter 2021 net income of $116 million, or $.19 per diluted share. We remain grateful for this much-needed federal payroll support on the heels of substantial losses in 2020, and ongoing non-GAAP losses in first quarter 2021. The payroll support from the federal government has allowed Southwest to preserve its 50-year history without involuntary layoffs or furloughs, an achievement unprecedented in the U.S. airline industry. Excluding the benefit of PSP Extension proceeds and other special items, our first quarter 2021 net loss was $1.0 billion, or $1.72 loss per diluted share. While the pandemic is not over, we believe the worst is behind us, in terms of the severity of the negative impact on travel demand. Vaccinations are on the rise, and COVID-19 hospitalizations in the United States are down significantly from their peak in January 2021. As a result, we are experiencing steady weekly improvements in domestic leisure bookings, which began in

mid-February 2021.   

Phillips 66 and Southwest Airlines collaborate to advance sustainable aviation fuel

Phillips 66 and Southwest Airlines have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance the commercialization of sustainable aviation fuel, focusing on public awareness and research and development. The memorandum of understanding also sets the framework to explore a future supply agreement involving Phillips 66’s Rodeo Renewed project in California and highlights the commitment by both companies to a sustainable energy future.

Sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF, is a lower carbon-intensity fuel that can be produced from renewable feedstocks such as waste oils, fats, greases and vegetable oils. It is a drop-in fuel, meaning it can be used in existing aircraft engines and airport fuel infrastructure.

Boeing 737 MAX grounded over electrical issues

More trouble befalls the flawed Boeing 737 MAX as airlines are grounding the jets once again, this time it is over electrical problems.

Top U.S. United Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest and Canadian carrier WestJet are among the airlines being told to gound their craft to conduct urgent checks to verify “that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system”.

The company issued a statement saying it had recommended to 16 customers that they address a potential electrical issue in a specific group of 737 MAX aeroplanes prior to further operations. The recommendation is being made to allow for verification that a sufficient ground path exists for a component of the electrical power system.  

Boeing was working closely with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration on this production issue, the company was in the process of advising airlines of the particularly registration/tail numbers. 

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Southwest Airlines Cargo gets top honour from Airforwarders Association for the 12th consecutive year

 Southwest Airlines Co. Cargo is being honoured for its consistent work delivering outstanding service for its Customers in 2020. The carrier recently was named the Airforwarders Association's Domestic Airline of the Year for the 12th consecutive year. The Airforwarders Association ranked Southwest Airlines® at the top of its list for the airline's superior operational performance, service offerings, and overall value for air cargo Customers.

"This past year brought unprecedented challenges, and through it all our People prevailed with an unwavering commitment to deliver the Hospitality and Customer Service that sets Southwest Cargo® ahead of its competitors," said Wally Devereaux, Managing Director, Southwest Cargo and Charters. "I'm so thankful for our incredible Team across the entire Southwest organization for always taking care of our Customers and each other."

"Over the past year, our membership, and the industry as a whole, faced incredible challenges that completely changed the way we conduct business," said Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association. "Through this period of turbulence and uncertainty, we have consistently been impressed with how Southwest Cargo has risen to the challenge to provide exemplary service. Southwest Cargo continues to demonstrate innovation, agility, and an admirable commitment to excellence."

In 2020, Southwest Cargo also celebrated the launch of its new commodity tracking system, giving Customers peace-of-mind with a confirmed onboard status of shipments and timely updates as their freight moves from its origin to destination.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

Southwest Pilot gets married.........during a flight

Photo Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines worked with York Zentner, a Southwest Pilot who lives in Utah but is based out of LAS, to organize a special inflight wedding to his bride, Sabrina Solesbee. The ceremony took place on a regularly scheduled commercial flight from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City.

Photo Southwest Airlines

The couple met in person for the first time at a Southwest ticket counter. Sabrina would routinely join York's scheduled trips as a Passenger on her days off, allowing the two to travel together from city to city as their relationship progressed. Eventually, York proposed to Sabrina on a private flight the two took over the mountains of Utah. It was only fitting, then, that the couple be married aboard a Southwest flight from Las Vegas (LAS) to Salt Lake City (SLC): Southwest's Las Vegas Station was the place where the couple met, and Salt Lake City is the city where the couple is likely to settle. The couple registered for a marriage license in the state of Utah, since that is the state the plane was going to be flying over by the time the flight reached its cruising altitude and the ceremony would take place.

On their big day, they were joined by around 15 friends and family, as well as several additional Southwest Customers traveling on the flight. The ceremony was officiated by Andrew Pabste, a fellow Southwest Pilot who is a close friend of York's.

Photo Southwest Airlines

More top stories you might be interested in.....