Dallas-based LCC Southwest Airlines announced this week that Greg Wells will become the Senior Vice President of Operations at the popular airline, effective September 1, 2006. The new leadership position will report to Mike Van de Ven, Southwest's newly named Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations.

In his new role, Wells will be responsible for Ground Operations, as well as Departments of Cargo and Flight Dispatch. He will oversee Southwest's Ontime Performance initiatives which include implementing key strategies to keep the airline's operation efficient and timely.

Additionally, Wells will become a member of Southwest Airlines' Executive Planning Committee, and will continue as the Company's Emergency Director, overseeing the airline's response in the event of a crisis.

"Greg is a 25-year veteran of Southwest Airlines, and we are privileged to have someone with his broad operational experience ready to step into this new senior leadership role," Van de Ven said.

Wells began his career with Southwest Airlines in 1981 as a Ramp Agent -- and has held various positions in the Ground Operations Department and Flight Dispatch Department. After the events of September 11, 2001, Wells was promoted to Vice President of Safety, Security, and Flight Dispatch. Wells was then promoted to Vice President of Ground Operations in 2004 and Senior Vice President shortly thereafter.

Southwest also announced two other leadership changes, effective Sept. 1, 2006:

• Chris Wahlenmaier, currently Vice President of Station Operations, will expand his current duties and become the Vice President of Ground Operations.
• Teresa Laraba, currently Senior Director of Ground Operations Stations, also will become Vice President of Ground Operations, dividing the Ground Operations responsibilities geographically with Wahlenmaier.

"As Southwest continues to grow, so does the depth of our operational leadership," Van de Ven said. "Greg, Chris, and Teresa are long-time Southwest Employees whose leadership has strengthened Southwest Airlines' operations, and I congratulate them on their new roles and responsibilities."

Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier based on domestic passenger boardings. The airline, based in Dallas, operates more than 3,100 daily departures in 62 cities and has more than 32,000 Employees nationwide. Southwest begins service to its newest destination, Dulles International, this October.

FMI: www.southwest.com