Support And Momentum Continue To Grow For Southwest Airlines' Proposed International Service From Houston's William P. Hobby Airport

Tens of Thousands of Houstonians Voicing Support to "Free Hobby Airport" and that Free Market and Competition are Good for Consumers and Will Stimulate Economic Growth

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Southwest Airlines

May 07, 2012, 03:18 ET

DALLAS, May 7, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) today announced that after only one month of the www.FreeHobbyAirport.com website going live, approximately 23,000 supporters from Houston and across the country have signed the carrier's online petition and more than 109,000 messages have been sent from Houston residents to Houston City Council members in favor of the proposed international expansion at Houston Hobby (HOU)—and that number is growing by the day. In addition to the petitioners, many in the Houston business and civic communities are voicing their support through letters to elected officials and public endorsements of Southwest's desire to bring low fares and legendary Customer Service to international air travelers desiring more competitive options to Mexico, the Caribbean, and cities in Central and South America.

"In these tough economic times, we are thrilled at the prospect of doing more for the city of Houston," said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and CEO. "The support for increased competition, lower fares, and economic growth in Houston is being heard loud and clear. The time is now to relieve international travelers from the burden of limited options and high fares."

Earlier this year, Southwest asked the city of Houston for permission to look into the construction of a five-gate international facility at Houston's Hobby Airport. The plan is to fly to destinations such as Mexico, the Caribbean, and cities in Central and South America.

The Houston community's voice is beginning to be heard. Organizations like the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have voiced their support. On May 2, the Greater Houston Partnership; which represents 10 counties, 2,100 Member organizations, and approximately one-fifth of the region's work force; issued a statement endorsing Southwest's effort.

To learn more about Southwest's proposal for international service at Hobby, or to voice your support for lower fares and increased competition, visit www.FreeHobbyAirport.com. Hobby airport is already home to Southwest Airlines, with more than 134 daily flights to 34 non-stop destinations, and direct or connecting service to another 38 cities. Southwest has more than 2,700 Employees based at HOU.

About Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers--offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded and has acquired AirTran Airways, now a wholly owned subsidiary of Southwest Airlines Co. Southwest serves 73 cities in 38 states and remains one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit southwest.com/citizenship to read the Southwest Airlines One Report™. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,300 flights a day and has more than 39,000 Employees systemwide.

www.southwest.com

SOURCE Southwest Airlines