Brian Sumers, Skift
Southwest is concerned it is losing market share because of the Max grounding. That is likely true. But the Max is also forcing the airline to be more efficient about where it flies and when. That's probably helping boost unit revenue.
4 weeks ago
Associated Press
Many predicted that Boeing would have gotten its act together by now and that 737 Max aircraft would be safe to fly. It's still up in the air exactly when that will be, but there is hope for the busy U.S. summer travel season.
4 weeks ago
Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg
Southwest is good at the public relations game. Its executives know they can't rush the Max back into service. They plan a coordinated effort to show the public it's safe.
2 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Southwest Airlines always is hesitant to mess with its secret sauce. But it's a gigantic airline, and it might benefit from operating more than one aircraft type.
4 months ago
Andrew Sheivachman, Skift
Airlines spend so much time massaging their public images every time they face a crisis. It's important to remember that for all the woke posturing from these brands, their leaders still often back the leaders more likely to give them tax breaks than support liberal social causes.
4 months ago
Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg
Boeing may have made some errors in the design and implementation of the 737 Max. But isn't the wronged party the airline, not the pilot union? We'll see what the legal system decides.
4 months ago
Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg
Southwest Airlines, as the largest operator of Boeing 737 Max, is taking a prudent approach to the aircraft's return. That's wise — customers are likely to need all the reassurance they can get when the aircraft returns to service.
5 months ago
Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg
Don't expect other airlines to copy Southwest. But the airline is producing less operating income this year than expected because it can't fly the Boeing 737 Max. That means employees are earning slightly less in profit sharing, so it makes sense Southwest might share some of its restitution from Boeing with workers.
5 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Want to keep your summer storm delays to a minimum? Try to fly between the largest cities and book flights on the biggest aircraft. It's not a foolproof plan, but it helps. Airlines prioritize certain flights, and it helps to know what they are.
6 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
When United Airlines President Scott Kirby joined in 2016, he promised he'd boost share at Newark. Now Southwest is pulling out of Newark, citing a tough environment. Think this is a coincidence?
7 months ago
Brian Sumers, Skift
Peeling paint is a fact of life at an airline. But most carriers try their best to keep aircraft looking sharp. They view an airplane's livery as free advertising. That's why jobs like Corey Culbertson's are so important.
8 months ago
Mary Schlangenstein, Bloomberg
Southwest is the second major U.S. carrier to remove the Max from its summer schedule entirely. All eyes are on when Boeing can deliver a much-awaited software fix to restore faith in the aircraft.
8 months ago
