DALLAS, November 4, 2012 – Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has officially expanded its route map to include Key West International Airport (EYW), bringing its signature low fares and customer service to the southernmost point in the continental United States. This exciting development marks Key West as the 78th city in Southwest’s growing network and the eighth destination it serves in the state of Florida, a testament to the airline’s commitment to providing convenient and affordable travel options.
The introduction of Southwest service to Key West is a direct benefit of its acquisition of AirTran Airways. Southwest has seamlessly taken over AirTran’s existing routes, initially offering two daily nonstop flights to major Florida hubs: Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Tampa Bay International Airport (TPA). Beyond these inherited routes, Southwest is innovating by introducing a brand-new nonstop service to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), commencing on March 9, 2013. This new route significantly broadens travel options for Key West residents and visitors, providing direct access to New Orleans and, through Southwest’s extensive network, convenient connections to over 75 destinations across the nation.
“Southwest’s arrival in Key West is a significant win for travelers seeking affordable and reliable air travel to this iconic destination,” stated Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution. “Leveraging the groundwork laid by AirTran Airways, we are thrilled to extend the ‘Southwest Effect’ – our commitment to low fares and outstanding customer service – to the beautiful Florida Keys. We know Key West has been a highly anticipated destination for our loyal customers, and we are delighted to now make it a reality.”
To celebrate this milestone, Southwest launched a nationwide Twitter contest, inviting its vast community of over one million followers to participate in the spirit of Key West’s famous Sunset Celebration. The contest encouraged users to showcase their talents in a video, imagining themselves performing at Mallory Square, a renowned Key West gathering spot for sunset enthusiasts. Participants competed for a chance to win roundtrip tickets by tweeting their video submissions to @southwestair using the hashtag #LUVKeyWest. Full contest details and rules were available at www.blogsouthwest.com/LUVKeyWest.
About Southwest Airlines Co.
Celebrating over four decades of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) distinguishes itself in the low-fare carrier sector through its unwavering commitment to reliability and exceptional Customer Service, delivered by a dedicated team of 46,000 employees to over 100 million Customers annually. Including its wholly-owned subsidiary AirTran Airways, Southwest operates the world’s largest fleet of Boeing aircraft, serving 97 destinations across 41 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and six near-international countries. For further insights into Southwest’s corporate citizenship and its commitment to a triple bottom line approach encompassing Performance, People, and Planet, please visit southwest.com/citizenship.
The Southwest Effect: Affordable Air Travel for Everyone
Since its inaugural flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines has revolutionized air travel with unprecedented affordability. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation as “The Southwest Effect,” the airline’s presence consistently drives down fares in markets it serves, making air travel accessible to a wider population. Southwest now leads among U.S. airlines in nonstop passenger traffic and uniquely offers all customers the benefit of two free checked bags (subject to weight and size restrictions) and no change fees, setting it apart from other major carriers. Every Southwest flight features comfortable leather seating and spacious full-size cabins across its extensive fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft, with ongoing upgrades to include satellite-based WiFi connectivity and eco-friendly cabin interiors utilizing sustainable materials. Achieving its 39th consecutive year of profitability, Southwest Airlines operates over 3,100 daily flights, connecting communities across its network of 78 domestic destinations. Discover Southwest’s low fares and extensive flight options exclusively at southwest.com.
AirTran Airways: Seamless Integration with Southwest
AirTran Airways, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co., has consistently been recognized for its quality, earning the top airline ranking in the Airline Quality Rating study three times in the past five years. AirTran offers a comprehensive network spanning coast-to-coast domestic routes and near-international destinations, with nearly 600 flights daily to 54 destinations. Known for its low-cost, high-quality service, AirTran provides assigned seating and a Business Class option. As Southwest progresses with the integration of AirTran’s personnel, operations, and fleet, customers of both airlines can conveniently book flights at airtran.com and seamlessly exchange loyalty points between AirTran’s A+ Rewards® and Southwest’s Rapid Rewards® programs for travel on either airline.
SOURCE Southwest Airlines
