SWAPA Pilots Vote in Favor of 737-800

DALLAS, Dec. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) officially agreed to add the 737-800 to their contract, allowing the Company to move closer toward acquiring the larger airframe.  The pilots voted in favor by over 75 percent to place the -800 into their Collective Bargaining Agreement.  The Company had given the pilots a December 1 deadline for agreement before proceeding with any further thoughts of converting -700 Boeing orders into -800 orders.

"Our pilot group has spoken, and wants the addition of this airframe into our fleet," said Capt. Carl Kuwitzky, SWAPA President. "Today's agreement should pave the way for Southwest Airlines to proceed with their plans, and the pilots look forward to watching the growth that these new planes should bring with them."

In addition to the placing of the -800 into the contract, the agreement also stipulates:

• Pay increase on 9/1/11 will be the greater of 2 percent or the profitability-based raise option.
• Extends the CBA amendable date one year to 8/31/2012.
• Pay increase on 9/1/12 will be profitability-based.

Located in Dallas, Texas, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a non-profit employee organization representing the more than 5,900 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