Do you know that air travel is considered the safest form of transportation compared to driving or taking a train? The airline industry expects to see a “31% rise in passenger demand for 2017” per the International Air Transport Association. Middle East and Asia will see the strongest growth between 6.3% and 5.7% and Africa and Latin American will see a 5.3% and 4.5% growth rate. The United States; however, will continue to be the “largest single market for domestic passengers.” (IATA, 2013) With that said, it’s important to observe a business firm’s success and continued growth in this specific market. As the appointed consultant for Southwest Airlines whose mission is “dedication to the highest quality of Customer Service delivered with a
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King originally suggested the idea of a Texas airline to his attorney Herb Kelleher who later became Southwest Airline’s CEO. Together, they combined ideas to create an airline that is one of a kind and unique. They anticipated that passengers would desire timely flights with low fares. These plans were conceived and written on a cocktail napkin inside a San Antonio bar in 1967. With that said, this was how Air Southwest was formed. The airlines serviced Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. (Mutzabaugh USA Today, 2014). Shortly after launching the airline, Kelleher faced many legal challenges from three competitors in Texas which hindered operation until 1971. It was then the airline was renamed to Southwest Airlines, “America’s largest discount carrier.” (N.B. 2012). Shortly after the airline revamp, Southwest Airlines succeeded with passenger growth by offering discounted prices and omitting unnecessary services. While other airlines found themselves declaring bankruptcy through the years, Southwest Airlines has been able to stay strong and bring in profits for over 40 years due to one type of aircraft, the use of a point routing system, and placing premium on customer service. (Schlanger, 2012) Rollin King was active on the board of directors until he retired in May 2006. He passed away in June 2014 at the age of 83. (Airlines, 2014) By 1989, Southwest Airlines moved past the
King originally suggested the idea of a Texas airline to his attorney Herb Kelleher who later became Southwest Airline’s CEO. Together, they combined ideas to create an airline that is one of a kind and unique. They anticipated that passengers would desire timely flights with low fares. These plans were conceived and written on a cocktail napkin inside a San Antonio bar in 1967. With that said, this was how Air Southwest was formed. The airlines serviced Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. (Mutzabaugh USA Today, 2014). Shortly after launching the airline, Kelleher faced many legal challenges from three competitors in Texas which hindered operation until 1971. It was then the airline was renamed to Southwest Airlines, “America’s largest discount carrier.” (N.B. 2012). Shortly after the airline revamp, Southwest Airlines succeeded with passenger growth by offering discounted prices and omitting unnecessary services. While other airlines found themselves declaring bankruptcy through the years, Southwest Airlines has been able to stay strong and bring in profits for over 40 years due to one type of aircraft, the use of a point routing system, and placing premium on customer service. (Schlanger, 2012) Rollin King was active on the board of directors until he retired in May 2006. He passed away in June 2014 at the age of 83. (Airlines, 2014) By 1989, Southwest Airlines moved past the