Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. By empowering its more than 72,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 140 million Customers carried in 2024. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.
Southwest has a long history of returning value to its Shareholders. Since 2010, Southwest has returned more than $14.0 billion to Shareholders through share repurchases and dividends. 2024, Southwest returned $680 million to Shareholders $430 million of dividends. and $250 million of share repurchases. The Company intends to launch an additional $750 million accelerated share repurchase program in first quarter 2025.
1) Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey since Q1 2021
2) Fulltime-equivalent active Employees