SOUTHWEST ACHIEVES INDUSTRY-RENOWNED SAFETY CERTIFICATION

Rhea-AI Summary

Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) has achieved a significant milestone by completing the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), a globally recognized safety evaluation system. The certification, announced on January 17, 2025, places Southwest on the IOSA Registry for two years, requiring subsequent audits for continued registration.

The IOSA certification, which assessed safety standards across all operating departments, is a requirement for IATA membership and represents the highest global standard for airline operational safety. This achievement follows Southwest's first airline partnership with Icelandair announced in September 2024, and positions the company for potential new partnerships.

Southwest currently operates at 117 airports across 11 countries, employs over 73,000 people, and served more than 137 million customers in 2023. The airline maintains its position as the carrier with the most nonstop domestic travelers in the United States.

Positive

• Achieved IOSA certification, enabling potential new airline partnerships
• Maintains leadership in U.S. domestic nonstop air travel
• Strong customer base with 137 million passengers served in 2023
• Extensive operational presence across 117 airports in 11 countries

Negative

• None.

DALLAS, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced another milestone in its commitment to Safety and transformational journey with the successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). IOSA is a flagship program of the International Air Transport Association.

"Along with our robust Safety Management System and Safety Culture we already have in place, successfully completing IOSA reinforces our commitment to Safety and makes us accountable to the high standards upheld by airlines around the globe," said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines.

IOSA is an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. Having met IOSA's exacting standards, Southwest Airlines^® joins the IOSA Registry for a two-year period. All IOSA airlines must then complete a further audit to remain on the Registry.

"IOSA represents the highest global standard for airline operational safety that is respected by regulators worldwide and well-established as a cornerstone for airline partnerships," said Nick Careen, IATA'S Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security. "We are pleased to have Southwest onboard as part of its transformational journey as it looks to connect its Customers with more global destinations."

The strategic pillars of IOSA are Safety, effectiveness, and integrity. The initial audit assessed Safety standards across all operating departments, including manuals, procedures, and Safety programs. IOSA is a requirement for IATA membership.

Southwest^® announced its first airline partnership with Icelandair in September 2024, and IOSA registration is a key step toward potential new partnerships.

About Southwest Airlines Co.
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 73,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 137 million Customers carried in 2023. 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.

¹Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey since Q1 2021
²Fulltime-equivalent active Employees

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-achieves-industry-renowned-safety-certification-302353793.html

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

What does Southwest Airlines' IOSA certification mean for its global expansion plans?

The IOSA certification positions Southwest Airlines (LUV) for potential new international partnerships, following its first partnership with Icelandair in September 2024, as IOSA is a requirement for IATA membership and airline partnerships.

How long will Southwest Airlines' (LUV) IOSA certification remain valid?

Southwest's IOSA certification is valid for a two-year period, after which the airline must complete another audit to maintain its position on the IOSA Registry.

How many passengers did Southwest Airlines (LUV) serve in 2023?

Southwest Airlines served more than 137 million customers in 2023.

What is Southwest Airlines' (LUV) current operational footprint?

Southwest Airlines operates at 117 airports across 11 countries, with over 73,000 full-time equivalent employees.

When did Southwest Airlines (LUV) announce its partnership with Icelandair?

Southwest Airlines announced its first airline partnership with Icelandair in September 2024.