Company Overview & Fleet
Founded on March 9, 1967, as Air Southwest; began operations in 1971 under the current name. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas.
As of 2025, Southwest operates an all-Boeing 737 fleet comprising around 810 aircraft, making it the largest operator of the model globally and among the world’s largest airline fleets.
It has nearly 500 Boeing 737 MAX jets on order, reinforcing its single-aircraft-type strategy aimed at operational simplicity.
The airline serves over 100 destinations across 42 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and roughly ten other nearby countries.
Strategy, Partnerships & Loyalty
Wider distribution: In February 2025, Southwest flights began appearing on Expedia and related platforms, increasing booking options for travelers.
Loyalty evolution: Adjusted fare bundles and loyalty earning structures in 2025. Introduced a new basic fare tier and fare credit expiration rules, aiming to align perks with revenue strategies.
On-time reliability: Maintains strong operational performance—98.3% completion rate as of early 2025—and delivered 5.3% revenue growth year-over-year.