Who Owns Southwest Airlines?

What does Southwest Airlines own?
Southwest Airlines owns a portfolio of aviation brands including Southwest Airlines (core passenger airline service), Southwest Cargo (air cargo and logistics), and Southwest Vacations (vacation packages and travel services). The company previously owned AirTran Airways, which it acquired in 2011 for approximately $1.4 billion and fully integrated by 2014. Southwest operates a fleet of over 800 Boeing 737 aircraft.

Is Southwest Airlines publicly traded?
Yes. Southwest Airlines is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker LUV. The company has been publicly traded since its IPO in 1977 and is owned by its shareholders, with no single controlling shareholder. Major institutional shareholders include Vanguard Group and BlackRock.

Who founded Southwest Airlines?
Southwest Airlines was founded in 1967 by Rollin King and Herb Kelleher. King, a San Antonio businessman, conceived the idea for a low-cost intrastate airline serving Texas. Kelleher, an attorney, provided the legal and strategic leadership that guided the company through years of legal challenges before its first flight in 1971. Kelleher served as CEO from 1982 to 2001 and remained Chairman until 2008.

Where is Southwest Airlines headquartered?
Southwest Airlines is headquartered at Dallas Love Field in Dallas, Texas, USA. The company has maintained its headquarters at Love Field since its founding and operates its primary hub from this location. Major operational bases include Chicago Midway, Baltimore/Washington, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver, and Houston Hobby.

What is Southwest Airlines' revenue?
Southwest Airlines reported full-year 2025 operating revenues of $28.1 billion and net income of $441 million, or $0.73 per diluted share. Fourth quarter 2025 operating revenues were $6.9 billion. The company generated record full-year 2025 operating cash flow of $3.2 billion and returned $597 million to shareholders through share repurchases.

What changes is Southwest making in 2026?
Southwest is implementing the most significant changes in its history in 2026. Assigned seating replaced the airline's long-standing open seating policy for travel starting January 27, 2026. The airline introduced extra legroom seats as a premium product. New fare bundles, including a basic economy fare, were created to compete with ultra-low-cost carriers. Red-eye flights were added to expand aircraft utilization. These changes are part of a business transformation expected to generate $1.5 to $2.0 billion in incremental annual EBITDA by 2027.

Who leads Southwest Airlines?
Bob Jordan serves as President and CEO of Southwest Airlines, having assumed the role in February 2022. Jordan has been with Southwest since 1989 and previously served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Services and as President of AirTran Airways. He replaced Gary Kelly, who moved to Executive Chairman before announcing his departure under pressure from activist investor Elliott Investment Management.