Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines, founded in 1967 and commencing operations in 1971, has grown to become the largest operator of the Boeing 737, with a current fleet of 828 aircraft as of November 2024. Known for its customer-focused services, it flies to over 100 destinations in 42 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The airline operates about 4,000 daily departures during peak travel periods and uses a point-to-point route system. It employs approximately 66,000 individuals, including thousands of pilots across its 13 focus cities. Southwest’s legacy of affordability and customer satisfaction has made it one of the most admired and profitable airlines in the U.S., achieving consistent profitability for over 40 years before the pandemic and weathering operational challenges in recent years.
Airline Notes
Certificates/Ratings
FAA Airline Transport Pilot Certificate.
The certificate must display the following: "Airplane Multiengine Land" Category and Class Ratings "English Proficient" limitation
FAA First Class Medical Certificate and, if applicable, any necessary Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate (Authorization) or Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) issued by the Federal Air Surgeon.
Flight Experience
Preferred: 500 hours in a fixed-wing turbine aircraft or successfully completed all aspects of a Destination 225° pathway program
Preferred: actively flying for two of the last five years
Note: PIC time is defined as Captain or Aircraft Commander of record or pilot signing for the aircraft (not sole manipulator of the controls)
Note: Only time in a fixed-wing aircraft is counted, which excludes simulator, helicopter, WSO, RIO, FE, NAV, EWO, and UAV specifically
Southwest has stated that it will hire 350 pilots in 2024 to adjust for the increased hiring during COVID.
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Airline Type
Major
Number of Pilots
11730
Number of Aircraft in Fleet
828
Number of Domiciles
12
Union
Southwest Airlines Pilots Association
Fleet
737-700: 385
737-8: 227
737-800: 207
Domiciles
BWI
HOU
MCO
MDW
DAL
DEN
PHX
LAS
OAK
ATL
LAX
BNA