SWAPA statement on Southwest’s holiday meltdown:
The impact of Southwest’s operational collapse being felt by passengers and crews over this holiday was not a surprise to anyone but the leadership of Southwest Airlines. It was unacceptable and the worst of the effects were absolutely preventable.
A systemic failure of Southwest Airlines leaders to modernize, support, and staff its operation leaves every frontline employee, Pilots included, tired of apologizing to our passengers. For more than a decade, leadership shortcomings in adapting, innovating, and safeguarding our operations have led to repeated system disruptions, countless disappointed passengers, and millions in lost profits.
The holiday meltdown has been blamed on weather that had been forecast five days prior, but this problem began many years ago when the complexity of our network outgrew its ability to withstand meteorological and technological disruptions.
SWAPA subject matter experts have repeatedly presented years of data, countless proposals that make Southwest pilots more efficient and resilient.
Once again, we call for investing in infrastructure that will improve conditions for both our passengers and Pilots. Infrastructure in the forms of crew scheduling software that takes into account our point-to-point network, a modern collective bargaining agreement that reflects best practices in today’s demanding operation, and communication tools that would have allowed for displaced crews to remain in constant contact with our Company. SWAPA has communicated the need for those innovations to both CEO Bob Jordan, as well as his predecessor, Gary Kelly.
Our Pilots’ futures are linked to the success of our Southwest Airlines. Not only will these improvements help prevent future disruptions, but they will be key to recruiting and retaining the very best professional aviators. And above all, they will enable Southwest to restore its tarnished brand and regain the trust of our loyal customers.
Go deeper – Should Southwest dump its point-to-point network and go to a hub-and-spoke network?
Southwest management issued these statements and apologies:
We’ve let our Customers and Employees down, and we pledge to do everything we can to make it right. If you still need assistance rearranging your travel, getting a refund, or tracking down your luggage, please visit https://t.co/II3YgdPy7J. pic.twitter.com/64Fdt8jJPn
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) December 29, 2022
On the heels of wide-scale disruptions, we’re working diligently to Safely recover our operation & accommodate displaced Customers & Crews. We know this is unacceptable & sincerely apologize. If your travel was impacted, explore self-service options here: https://t.co/B6L8HR9Yqc pic.twitter.com/mLWndYMned
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) December 28, 2022
“Its been catastrophic. Its been a failure at every level at Southwest Airlines.” – Captain Casey Murray, President Southwest Airlines Pilots Association#SouthwestAir #SWAPA pic.twitter.com/Q1UpNLRmfu
— Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (@swapapilots) December 27, 2022
“Our pilots can’t get hotels, they’re sleeping in airports,” Casey Murray, SWAPA President, said on the “Today Show.”https://t.co/ym1R3jSbJe#SouthwestAirlines #SWAPA
— Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (@swapapilots) December 28, 2022
All out of Luv? “The Southwest of old is gone,” Murray said. “It’s now threats and intimidations to motivate, instead of the old Southwest with a heart.” https://t.co/7TQQ0QY319@SouthwestAir #SouthwestAirlines #SWAPA
— Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (@swapapilots) December 27, 2022
All out of Luv? “The Southwest of old is gone,” Murray said. “It’s now threats and intimidations to motivate, instead of the old Southwest with a heart.” Southwest Airlines #SouthwestAirlines #SWAPA pic.twitter.com/79KexQygVI
— Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (@swapapilots) December 27, 2022
Top Copyright Photo: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8 MAX 8 N8819L (msn 67476) BFI (Brian Worthington). Image: 959618.
Southwest bAirlines aircraft photo gallery:
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- Source: https://worldairlinenews.com/2022/12/29/swapa-warned-southwest-management-about-a-possible-meltdown-can-its-point-to-point-system-remain/
