DALLAS, Feb. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest
Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today was named to FORTUNE's
2017 list of World's Most Admired Companies. Southwest ranks #8,
and is the only commercial airline among the Top 10. This is
Southwest's 23rd consecutive year on the list.
"We are an admired Company because of our People, whose passion
and love for the cause that is Southwest are the reasons we have
appeared on this prestigious list for 23 consecutive years," said
Gary Kelly, Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines. "This particular
recognition is especially rewarding because it's driven by input
from leaders at other companies, and our folks take great pride in
this achievement."
FORTUNE partners with Korn Ferry Hay Group, a global management
consulting firm, and asked executives, directors, and security
analysts from around the world to rate which companies they admired
most. Voters were able to select any company in any industry that
ranked in the top 25 percent of last year's survey, along with
those that finished in the top 20 percent of their industry.
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 53,000 Employees
to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly
operates a network of 101 destinations in the United States and eight additional
countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel
season. Subject to requisite governmental approvals, service to
Grand Cayman begins June 4, 2017, the same date service is scheduled
to begin from Cincinnati.
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 nearly 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 44 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.