Randy Babbitt Announces Retirement From Southwest Airlines

DALLAS, Aug. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announced today that Randy Babbitt, Senior Vice President of Labor Relations, is retiring after 50 years in the commercial aviation industry. Babbitt joined Southwest in 2012 and has spent the last four years leading the carrier's Labor Relations Team.

"We wish Randy all the best in his retirement after a long and distinguished career in aviation," said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. "We are grateful for his many contributions." 

 During Babbitt's tenure, Southwest has reached contracts with six workgroups, including: the Transport Workers Union, Local 555 (Ramp, Operations, Provisioning and Cargo Agents); Transport Workers Union, Local 557 (Flight Instructors); International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 142 (Customer Service Agents, Source of Support, and Customer Support and Services); International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Airline Division (Flight Simulator Technicians); and two contracts with the Transport Workers Union, Local 550 (one with Meteorologists, one with Dispatchers).

Babbitt began his aviation career with Eastern Air Lines in 1966, and he later worked with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), spent time industry consulting and with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before joining Southwest. Babbitt will work with his Team on an orderly transition of his responsibilities before his departure this fall. 

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 46th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 52,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season across a network of 98 destinations in the United States and seven additional countries with service to three airports in Cuba expected to begin later this year, subject to governmental approvals.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency℠, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free®  to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though fare differences might apply. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets.  With 43 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2015 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at SouthwestOneReport.com.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.