Southwest Airlines Eliminates 200 Flights
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In a move to trim its budget and adjust to the economic situation, Southwest Airlines is reducing the number of scheduled flights in its operating system by approximately two hundred:
“…The airline traditionally trims the number of flights it operates during the first quarter, when travel demand drops after the holidays. The cuts this year “are a little steeper than usual,” said Chris Mainz, a spokesman for the Dallas-based carrier.
Still, he said the airline hasn’t changed its overall forecast for its 2009 capacity. Gary Kelly, Southwest’s chief executive, recently told analysts that the airline may not grow at all during the year.”
link: Southwest Airlines will cut 200 flights from winter schedule
What is noticeable in this announcement is that Southwest Airlines has not indicated any job reductions. The air carrier appears to be attempting to reduce costs while keeping its staff employed. Kudos to Southwest Airlines - the traveller should reward the airline for this type of commitment to its employees during rough economic times.
Catherine Forsythe
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