Introduction Case studies Learning excellence: Southwest Airlines’ approach Ulla K. Bunz and Jeanne D. Maes The authors Ulla K. Bunz and Jeanne D. Maes are based at the University of South Alabama‚ Mobile‚ AL‚ USA. Abstract In an era in which adapting to change means survival‚ it is important to study what successful organizations have done. While the airline industry in the USA has not made thriving financial headlines‚ one small company has been able to satisfy its customers completely
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Southwest Airlines Case Study 1. Southwest Airlines was successful for many reasons‚ including low airfare cost‚ “quick turns” ‚ and “spider web” system. But‚ probably most important was their Corporate Culture of putting their employees first and really taking care of them. Southwest believes by doing this makes their employees happy and in turn‚ they will take care of them….. and ultimately that means repeat business. 2. Southwest’s quick turns allowed for them to have twice the industry
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Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines has long been one of the stand-out performers in the U.S. airline industry. It is famous for its low fares which are often some 30% lower than those of its major rivals. These are balanced by an even lower course structure‚ enabling it to record superior profitability even in bad years such as 2002‚ when the industry faced slumping demand in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Indeed‚ from 2001 to 2005‚ quite possibly the worst 4 years in the
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As of Year 2004‚ the American Airline industry stood at around 783 Million USD/year in terms of operating revenue with American Airlines‚ United and Delta being the biggest players. Southwest was the 6th largest player in the market. Since 2001‚ the airline industry on the whole has been suffering he losses annually. The seat-miles flown have increased manifold over the long term (from 1989 to 2004) indicating increase in adoption of air travel among the population while the revenue per mile has
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Southwest started its service in 1971. It becomes famous by using its pricing strategy of cheap fares backed by seriously controlling costs. The central business of Southwest is the short-haul domestic route. The airplanes of Southwest are always on time which make the customers very delighted. Southwest Airlines¡¯ used market penetration pricing strategy with low-fare‚ no frills‚ low cost service on relatively short flights. Moreover‚ it also provides benefits to customers such as simple scheduling
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Southwest History 1966: Rollin King marched into Herb Kelleher’s law office with a plan to start a low-cost/low-fare airline that would shuttle passengers between San Antonio‚ Dallas‚ and Houston. Thought of this idea because businessmen were complaining about the commute. 1967: Kelleher filed papers to incorporate the new airline and submitted an application to the Texas Aeronautics Commission for the new company to serve Dallas‚ Houston‚ and San Antonio. ------4 year legal and regulatory
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Southwest Airline’s Strategies: Southwest Airline’s successful strategy consists of three complementary qualities which are focus‚ divergence and compelling tagline. This short-haul airline believes that by focusing on friendly service‚ speed and frequent point-to-point departures‚ its low pricing is able to compete against car transportation. While other competitors try to delight customers by investing in meals‚ airport lounges and seating selections‚ Southwest chooses to eliminate or reduces
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Running head: SOUTHWEST AIRLINES Southwest Airlines William F. White Grand Canyon University Introduction Southwest Airlines took their first flight in June 18‚ 1971. The company got underway more then four years earlier but had a number of tough lawsuits against them before they were able to get their first plane up in the air. Southwest Airlines began serving the Texas cities of Dallas‚ Houston and San Antonio. And then in 1979‚ Southwest Airlines finally made their first voyage outside
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Kelleher at Southwest Airlines “You shouldn’t get too heady about anything‚ because the greatest thing you do is not big in the universe. It’s not saying it doesn’t matter. It matters all the more. You’re fighting against nothingness. But you don’t give up. Therein lies the heroism.” -Kelleher (p.156) Although many have a great respect for Southwest Airlines and their disciplined business decisions. I have a greater respect for their “family like” environment and how they encourage their
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Contents Page 1. An Introduction to Southwest Airlines 1.1 Beginnings 1 1.2 Culture
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