Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 73,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 137 million Customers carried in 2023. That formula for success has brought 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. As the airline with Heart, Southwest has set a goal to work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 20504. Southwest has also set near-term targets and a three-pillar strategy to achieve its environmental goals. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/planet.
Southwest has a long history of returning value to its Shareholders. Since 2010, Southwest has returned more than $13.7 billion to Shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. Through the first nine months of 2024, Southwest returned $431 million to Shareholders through payment in dividends. In September 2024, Southwest’s Board of Directors authorized a $2.5 billion share repurchase program. The Company has announced its intent to launch a $250 million accelerated share repurchase program under the $2.5 billion authorization.
1) Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey since Q1 2021
2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees
3) 1973-2019 annual profitability
4) Southwest’s net zero by 2050 goal includes Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 Category 3 emissions only and excludes any emissions associated with non-fuel products and services, such as inflight service items.
