Southwest Airlines Pilots Host Congressman Lipinski

Senior Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Member Meets with Southwest Personnel

CHICAGO, April 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) announced that representatives from the union provided Congressman Dan Lipinski (D-IL) with a comprehensive tour of Southwest facilities at Midway International Airport today. 

Lipinski, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and member of the Aviation Subcommittee, represents the Third Congressional District of Illinois, which includes Midway Airport, Chicago's Southwest Side and south and southwestern suburbs.  

"I appreciated the opportunity to learn more from Southwest pilots about their profession and the work they do in making Midway Airport one of the world's finest airports," Rep. Lipinski said. "Keeping Midway operating safely and efficiently is vitally important to the nation's aviation system. The pilots I listened to today, along with all of the airport's employees, deserve credit for Midway's success and the impact they have on the entire Chicago region."

Accompanied by Station Managers and Chief Pilots, the Congressman spent more than an hour with SWAPA employees in the pilot lounge.  Lipinski used the opportunity to describe his responsibilities on the Aviation Subcommittee, answer questions and learn more about the day-to-day lives of the pilots. 

"SWAPA is not only grateful for the time Congressman Lipinski spent with our pilots, but the thoughtful interaction and conversation he brought to his visit," said Mark Richardson, SWAPA President.  "His willingness to listen to pilot concerns and educate himself on the work of our professionals is a testament to the methodical and considerate approach he takes to lawmaking."

The visit is the first in a planned series of outreach events designed to provide lawmakers with an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the piloting profession.  

Located in Dallas, Texas, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a non-profit employee organization representing the more than 6,400 pilots of Southwest Airlines. SWAPA works to provide a secure and rewarding career for Southwest pilots and their families through negotiating contracts, defending contractual rights and actively promoting professionalism and safety. For more information on the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association, visit www.swapa.org.    

SOURCE Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association