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Southwest Airlines raises Q4 forecast amid robust leisure travel demand

Southwest Airlines raises Q4 forecast amid robust leisure travel demand
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Southwest Airlines has announced an optimistic update for its fourth-quarter revenue expectations, citing strong travel demand and strategic initiatives. The airline now anticipates a year-on-year increase in unit revenues between 5.5% and 7%, surpassing its earlier forecast of a rise from 3.5% to 5.5%. This improvement comes despite a projected 4% decrease in Q4 capacity compared to the previous year.

The airline's fleet strategy remains on track, with plans for around 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8 deliveries and the retirement of 40 older aircraft models by the end of 2024. As of now, Southwest Airlines operates a fleet of 797 Boeing 737 aircraft.

In a significant development, Southwest Airlines has appointed five representatives from Elliott Investment Management to its board of directors, marking the resolution of a proxy battle with the activist investor firm.

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"The improvement in expectations relative to the previous fourth quarter 2024 unit revenue guidance range is driven by the combination of better than expected leisure travel demand and faster than expected benefits from actions taken to mature the Company's revenue management techniques and better optimize the booking curve," stated Southwest Airlines.

The company continues to pursue tactical initiatives such as network optimization, capacity rationalization, enhanced marketing efforts, and advanced revenue management techniques. These measures are expected to sustain strong revenue trends into 2025.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines has confirmed its commitment to a $2.5 billion share repurchase program approved by its board in September. The airline plans further buybacks totaling $750 million in early 2025 following an initial $250 million repurchase completed in October.

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