Southwest Airlines Among Top 10 World's Most Admired Companies By FORTUNE

Southwest celebrates 22 consecutive years on list

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Feb 19, 2016, 10:05 ET

DALLAS, Feb. 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today was named to FORTUNE's 2016 list of World's Most Admired Companies. Southwest was ranked as the No. 7 Most Admired Company, and is the only commercial airline to make the Top 10. Southwest has been in the Top 10 for 17 out of 22 consecutive years on the list.

"More than four decades ago, Southwest was founded on a People-first philosophy that has served us well and stood the test of time," said Gary Kelly, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines. "To be recognized as a World's Most Admired Company 22 consecutive times is a testament to our People, who I believe are the best in the world. They are my heroes, and this honor belongs to them!"

FORTUNE partnered with Korn Ferry Hay Group and asked 4,000 executives, directors, and securities analysts from 652 companies in 30 countries around the world to rate companies in their industry on nine criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. Leaders chose from the top 25 percent of winners from last year's survey in addition to the top 20 percent in their industry.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 45th 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 49,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest proudly operates a network of 97 destinations across the United States and seven additional countries with more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season.

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 nearly 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. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to 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 2014 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.

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.