Southwest Airlines slashes 15% corporate workforce, first in 15 years

Southwest Airlines cuts 1,750 corporate jobs in first-ever layoffs

Robert Besser
21 Feb 2025, 19:48 GMT+10

Southwest Airlines slashes 15% corporate workforce, first in 15 years

Southwest Airlines is laying off 1,750 employees, or 15 percent of its corporate staff, in the company’s first significant job cuts in 53 years
The airline, based in Dallas, said most of the layoffs will affect corporate and leadership roles, including directors and senior leaders
The job cuts, expected to be mostly finished by the end of June, are part of a plan to reduce costs and make the airline run more efficiently, CEO Bob Jordan said

DALLAS, Texas: Southwest Airlines is laying off 1,750 employees, or 15 percent of its corporate staff, in the company's first significant job cuts in 53 years.

The airline, based in Dallas, said most of the layoffs will affect corporate and leadership roles, including directors and senior leaders. Eleven senior leadership positions—15 percent of the company's top management team—will be eliminated.

The job cuts, expected to be mostly finished by the end of June, are part of a plan to reduce costs and make the airline run more efficiently, CEO Bob Jordan said. "This is a difficult but necessary decision," he added.

Southwest expects these layoffs to save about US$210 million this year and around $300 million by 2026.

Last November, the airline tried to reduce staff by offering buyouts and extended leave to airport workers such as customer service agents, baggage handlers, and cargo staff.

The company has also been under pressure from hedge fund Elliott Investment Management to increase profits and raise its stock price, which has dropped significantly since early 2021. So far this year, Southwest's stock has fallen by 9.9 percent.

Southwest and Elliott agreed to a deal in October to avoid a major conflict. However, Elliott gained several seats on the airline's board, giving it influence over the company's leadership decisions.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Brazil Sun.

More Information

null in null

South America

Section

Farmers exploit loophole in Amazon soy deal to clear rainforest

Brazilian soy farms expand into Amazon despite 2008 deforestation pact

SANTAREM, Brazil: As Brazil cements its position as the world's top soy exporter, a new wave of deforestation is spreading across the...

Brazil aims to restart poultry trade after bird flu clearance

Brazil declares bird flu-free status, seeks to resume exports

SAO PAULO, Brazil: Brazil is taking confident steps to restore its dominance in global poultry exports after declaring its commercial...

Drug shortages and layoffs spark health crisis in Argentina

Milei's austerity cuts cripple Argentina's public health system

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina: Since taking office in December 2023, Argentine President Javier Milei has implemented sweeping austerity...

(SP)SLOVENIA-LJUBLJANA-TABLE TENNIS-WTT STAR CONTENDER-MEN'S SINGLES-FINAL

(SP)SLOVENIA-LJUBLJANA-TABLE TENNIS-WTT STAR CONTENDER-MEN'S SINGLES-FINAL

(250623) -- LJUBLJANA, June 23, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Hugo Calderano of Brazil hits a return during the men's singles final match against...

(SP)SLOVENIA-LJUBLJANA-TABLE TENNIS-WTT STAR CONTENDER-MIXED DOUBLES-FINAL

(SP)SLOVENIA-LJUBLJANA-TABLE TENNIS-WTT STAR CONTENDER-MIXED DOUBLES-FINAL

(250623) -- LJUBLJANA, June 23, 2025 (Xinhua) -- Lim Jonghoon (L)/Shin Yubin of South Korea celebrate scoring during the mixed doubles...

AFC Women's Asian Cup: Mongolia, first obstacle in Blue Tigresses' road to Australia

AFC Women's Asian Cup: Mongolia, first obstacle in Blue Tigresses' road to Australia

Chiang Mai [Thailand], June 23 (ANI): India's road to the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 will officially...

Business

Section

Farmers exploit loophole in Amazon soy deal to clear rainforest

Brazilian soy farms expand into Amazon despite 2008 deforestation pact

SANTAREM, Brazil: As Brazil cements its position as the world's top soy exporter, a new wave of deforestation is spreading across the...

Europe eases rates as Fed holds and Trump threatens tariffs

Central banks cut rates amid Trump tariff, inflation jitters

ZURICH, Switzerland: A wave of central banks across Europe surprised markets last week by lowering interest rates, responding to easing...

Federal Reserve chief weighs next move as economic outlook wavers

Federal Reserve faces tough call despite strong US economy

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The U.S. economy is performing reasonably well, but Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell faces a difficult decision...

TikTok gets US reprieve as Trump grants 90-day extension

Trump extends TikTok sale deadline to September 17

WASHINGTON, D.C.: President Donald Trump has granted TikTok another reprieve, extending the deadline for its Chinese parent company,...

Next-gen weight-loss drugs aim to cut fat, spare muscle

Drugmakers chase weight-loss drugs that protect muscle mass

WASHINGTON, D.C.: As the global weight-loss market explodes, drugmakers are now racing to solve a less visible problem: protecting...

Amazon’s Zoox unveils plan to build 10,000 robotaxis a year

Zoox opens robotaxi factory, joins race with Tesla and Waymo

HAYWARD, California: In a significant step toward its commercial debut, Amazon-owned Zoox has unveiled its first factory dedicated...

Movie Review

Zombie (Zombi 2) (4K UHD) [Blu-Ray]