Integration Proposal Headed To Members Of Both Pilot Unions For Ratification Vote

Southwest Airlines said Thursday that a tentative agreement has been reached between the unions representing pilots of both Southwest Airlines (SWAPA) and Air Tran (ALPA). This tentative agreement would integrate the two groups' seniority lists. SWAPA's Board of Directors and ALPA's Master Executive Council both approved the agreement, allowing the membership of each Pilot's Union to review the proposed agreement and ultimately put it to a ratification vote. Southwest Airlines finalized closing of the acquisition of AirTran Holdings, Inc. on May 2, 2011.

"The unions and Company negotiating teams never lost focus on the ultimate goal of creating an integrated seniority list and transition plan for our Pilots outside of arbitration," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "All parties took ownership of their role in the integration of AirTran into Southwest Airlines, and I want to congratulate our teams for delivering what we feel is a fair and equitable deal for both sides."

"We are proud of both Pilot groups' initiative and persistence to reach a tentative agreement," added Capt. Chuck Magill, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Flight Operations. "History has shown the integration of two large airlines is no easy task, but our Pilots continue to demonstrate forward-thinking Leadership through this process, and their efforts should be recognized and commended."

Reaching a negotiated agreement with the two Pilot groups avoids the arbitration process and gives both groups ownership of the combined list. Each Pilot group will now spend the next four to six weeks reviewing the tentative agreement before putting it up for a ratification vote. SWAPA represents more than 6,000 Southwest Airlines Pilots, and ALPA represents close to 1,600 AirTran Pilots.

On the corporate side, Southwest announced several executive changes.

Bob Jordan, Southwest's current Executive Vice President Strategy & Planning, has been promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, and he maintains his role as President of AirTran Airways. In his new role, Jordan will oversee several senior leaders and areas including Marketing, Revenue Management, Customer Relations & Rapid Rewards, Customer Support & Services, the Customer Experience, and Network and Corporate Planning.

Jeff Lamb, Southwest's current Senior Vice President Administration & Chief People Officer, has been promoted to Executive Vice President & Chief People & Administrative Officer. In his new role, Lamb is responsible for People & Leadership Development, Technology, Diversity & Inclusion, Purchasing, Fuel Management, Facilities, and Corporate Security.

Ellen Torbert, Southwest's current Vice President of Customer Support & Services, has been promoted to Vice President of Diversity & Inclusion. In this newly created leadership role, Ellen will provide leadership, vision, and advocacy as Southwest continues its work to foster an inclusive work environment.

FMI: www.southwest.com