Southwest Expands Services, AirTran Integration Nearly Over
Low-cost carrier Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) announced that it has successfully expanded its reach following the launch of nonstop services between Dallas Love Field (the company’s home airport) and eight more cities in the U.S. The Dallas-based carrier is now operating flights between Dallas Love Field and Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood, Nashville, New York (LaGuardia), Phoenix, Orange County/Santa Ana, San Diego and Tampa Bay.
Following the expiration of the Wright Amendment last month, Southwest Airlines has been working toward the expansion of its services. The Wright Amendment, established in 1979, originally governed traffic at Dallas Love Field and restricted non-stop flights from Love Field to destinations only in Texas and the neighboring states. With the amendment no longer in place, carriers now have more opportunities to seek new markets from Love Field. Effective Jan 6, 2015, Southwest Airlines plans to expand further by adding flights between Dallas Love Field and both San Francisco and Oakland.
AirTran Integration Nearly Complete
Southwest Airlines, which purchased AirTran Airways in 2011, has stated that it has almost completed the integration process by expanding its international operations. Southwest Airlines has taken over routes formerly operated by AirTran Airways, and has duly flagged off flights to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Mexico City. Southwest Airlines further stated that it is operating international flights between seven ex-U.S. destinations and nine U.S. gateway cities.
In another step aimed at the completion of the integration process, Southwest Airlines said that, effective now, fliers will no longer be able to book their tickets on AirTran.com for flights operating through Dec 28, 2014 (the day of AirTran’s final flight). They will instead have to log on to Southwest.com for the purpose. Details with respect to flights, fares and frequent flyer benefits will also be available at Southwest Airlines’ website going forward.
Zacks Rank
Southwest Airlines carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Other well-ranked stocks in the airline space include Spirit Airlines (SAVE), Hawaiian Holdings (HA) and Republic Airways Holdings (RJET). All these stocks sport a similar Zacks Rank #1.
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