Southwest Airlines Welcomes Aileen Furlong as New VP of Sales to Drive Revenue Strategy

Southwest Airlines Names Aileen Furlong as New Vice President of Sales

In a significant step towards strengthening its corporate travel segment, Southwest Airlines has named Aileen Furlong as its new Vice President of Sales. She will officially begin her role on January 6, 2025, leading the airline's Southwest Business function. This operational wing serves corporate clients, offering tailored support and self-service options to businesses of all sizes.

Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer of Southwest Airlines, expressed optimism regarding Furlong's appointment, referring to it as a vital opportunity for both the Southwest Business unit and the broader Revenue Organization. He stated, "Aileen's appointment is a remarkable opportunity for Southwest Business and our entire Revenue Organization…I’m thrilled to have her join the Southwest Family next month."

Furlong comes with 23 years of Airbus leadership experience, having spent her career at United Airlines. During her tenure there, she earned recognition as a transformational leader, known for her ability to innovate and drive revenue generation. At United, she most recently served as Managing Director of Global Corporate Sales, where she was responsible for negotiating contracts with top global accounts and managing a team of global account sales professionals.

Her wealth of experience spans various leadership roles, including sales, loyalty programs, marketing, and customer experience management. With her diverse skill set, Furlong is set to make a significant impact as Southwest Airlines continues reshaping its Revenue Organization, now consolidating functions like Revenue Management, Pricing, and Southwest Business into one unified business unit under her leadership.

Furlong is not just a numbers-driven executive; she is actively involved in the business travel community. She has twice been honored among the "Top 50 Women in Travel" by the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). Her contributions to the industry have also seen her recognized by Premier Traveler magazine as one of the Most Compelling Women in the Travel Industry. Notably, she has served on the GBTA Women in Travel Advisory Board.

Academically, Furlong holds a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Georgetown University and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Her educational background complements her extensive industry experience, positioning her for success in her new role.

Southwest Airlines is renowned for its commitment to exceptional customer service and has consistently operated as one of the most admired airlines globally. The airline, established in 1971, prides itself on democratizing air travel through friendly and low-cost service. As of 2023, Southwest Airlines maintained a record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs, embodying its employee-first culture. The airline aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, highlighting its commitment to sustainability.

By appointing a leader of Furlong’s caliber, Southwest Airlines is poised to enhance its corporate travel offerings significantly, reflecting its ongoing commitment to innovation and superior service. As the airline prepares for Furlong's arrival, it aims to solidify its position within the travel industry and meet the evolving needs of corporate travelers worldwide.