Southwest Airlines to Close Two Flight Attendant Bases
Southwest Airlines is taking further steps to reduce costs, announcing the closure of two flight attendant bases in Austin, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This decision comes as part of the airline’s broader strategy to streamline operations and enhance efficiency.
Major Cuts Amid Cost-Saving Push
As part of an ongoing restructuring effort, Southwest will shut down these satellite bases, impacting approximately 280 flight attendants. The airline has already reduced unprofitable routes and recently unveiled plans for its first-ever corporate staff layoffs, cutting around 15% of its workforce.
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 556, representing Southwest’s flight attendants, acknowledged the move while expressing concerns over its impact. To provide affected employees with additional time to adjust, the union and the airline have delayed the closures by a month, pushing the effective date to July 1.
Operational Shift to Strengthen Crew Network
While the airline is eliminating these bases, Southwest has assured employees they can transfer to one of its 12 main crew bases. The decision, the airline claims, is aimed at strengthening its crew network and improving service reliability.
“This change will ultimately help strengthen our Crew network and support a more reliable operation for our Employees and Customers,” Southwest stated.
Southwest Restructures as Competitive Pressures Mount
The airline’s recent strategic shifts follow its settlement with activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which secured five seats on Southwest’s board while advocating aggressively for leadership and operational changes. Despite these interventions, CEO Bob Jordan remains in place.
In addition to closing crew bases, Southwest is cutting back flights in underperforming markets like Atlanta and adjusting staffing levels accordingly. The anticipated 15% reduction in corporate jobs, which translates to the loss of roughly 1,750 positions, is expected to save the company about $210 million in 2025.
As the airline adjusts its operations, questions remain about the impact on workforce morale and the overall efficiency of Southwest’s service network. Will these cost-cutting measures be enough to bolster the airline’s long-term financial health? Investors and employees alike are watching closely.
