#United States #Austin #Southwest Airlines #Austin Bergstrom #Crew Base

Southwest Airlines Expands Presence in Austin with New Crew Base

In a significant move for the airline industry in Texas, Southwest Airlines Co. has announced plans to open a new crew base for pilots and flight attendants at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS). Scheduled to commence operations in March 2026, this new base is projected to create over 2,000 jobs, marking a vital addition to Southwest's long-standing commitment to Austin and the broader Texas community.

Creating Job Opportunities and Expanding Services
The new crew base will primarily employ captains, first officers, and flight attendants, alongside a management team and support staff. Furthermore, Southwest Airlines plans to incorporate a training facility dedicated to flight attendants, enhancing their training capabilities and supporting the airline's business transformation initiatives. President and CEO Bob Jordan emphasized this investment underscores Southwest's dedication to providing outstanding service to its customers while solidifying the airline's presence in Austin.

Currently, Southwest stands as the largest airline operating at AUS, offering more than 130 peak-day departures and having served approximately 6.7 million customers in the past year alone. In conjunction with the new crew base, the airline is set to introduce service to popular travel destinations like Fort Myers, Florida, and Palm Springs, California, as part of its expanding route offerings from Austin.

Growth and Community Engagement
By mid-2027, the crew base is expected to have a total employee count of around 2,000 individuals. This strategic decision follows thorough analysis and discussions between Southwest's operational planners and city leadership, further enhancing Austin's role in the airline's growth strategy.

Governor Abbott and Mayor Watson have played pivotal roles in facilitating this development, demonstrating a collaborative effort to foster a robust travel and transportation sector in central Texas. The initiative also aligns with Southwest's agreement to collaborate closely with Austin Workforce Solutions. As part of this partnership, they will work alongside the Austin Infrastructure Academy to cultivate local talent and expand youth internship programs in aviation.

A Commitment to the Community
With a strong heritage of community engagement, Southwest Airlines aims to reinforce its ties to the Austin area through various outreach programs. The establishment of the new crew base is not just about operational efficiency but also about enriching the local workforce and encouraging employment opportunities that support families and individuals looking to build careers in aviation.

Looking Ahead
As Southwest Airlines continues to expand, the upcoming crew base in Austin represents a significant milestone in the airline's ongoing growth trajectory. This base will not only optimize operational procedures but also highlight the importance of regional partnerships and community support in fostering sustainable business practices. Southwest Airlines is poised to remain a cornerstone of air travel in Texas while increasing its influence in the dynamic and growing aviation market.