Southwest Airlines' Evolving Route Network

Skift Take

Airline Weekly analysis of Cirium Diio data shows fascinating shifts in Southwest’s route network over the past decade. In this week’s episode we drill into the detail.

— Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat

In part one, Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat examine the huge changes taking place across Southwest Airlines’ network and reveal the big winners and losers as the LCC’s route map evolves. In part two, we discuss the key trends to watch for the coming season in the U.S. airline sector.

This episode is presented by American Airlines.

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Episode Summary

Southwest Airlines Leadership

CEO Exit: Gary Kelly, former CEO and chairman, to step down amid pressure from Elliott Management, a hostile investor.

Current Leadership: CEO Bob Jordan retains the board’s confidence; no imminent changes announced.

Upcoming milestones:

Investor Day: September 26, 2024.

Board meeting: November 2024.

Southwest’s Network Cuts

Significant capacity reduction, including a 1% overall decrease in 2024.

Q4 2024 will see an 8% reduction in seat capacity.

Capacity cuts attributed to Boeing delays and internal decisions to improve financials.

Southwest’s Top Airports

Busiest Airports: Denver (up 87% in 10 years), Las Vegas, Baltimore, Chicago (Midway), and Dallas (Love Field).

Capacity reductions in major markets:

Fort Lauderdale (-34%), Atlanta (-27%), San Jose (-12%), Los Angeles (-12%).

Future of Southwest

Potential changes to in-flight products, boarding processes, and bag fees.

Growth in Phoenix (+7%) and Nashville (+2%).

Expanding corporate travel and adjusting ancillary revenue strategies.

Boeing Delays

Ongoing Boeing 737 MAX delivery delays have impacted Southwest’s operations and financial performance, contributing to network cuts. However, these delays are not the sole reason for capacity reductions.