Alerts Sign-up
Southwest Airlines is considering significant changes to its business model, according to recent remarks by CEO Bob Jordan. The airline, known for its budget-friendly services and lack of premium offerings, may introduce lounges, premium classes, and flights to Europe in the future. These potential changes reflect a broader trend within the airline industry towards catering to higher-paying customers.
Jordan highlighted Nashville as a promising market for these new offerings. "Nashville loves us," he said during an interview with CNBC. "We know we have Nashville customers that want lounges. They want first class. They want to get to Europe and they’re going to Europe." While specific plans are not yet detailed, Southwest's interest in expanding beyond its traditional service model is clear.
In recent years, Southwest has already made several adjustments, such as eliminating its open seating policy and adding extra legroom seats. These moves followed pressure from an activist investor who urged the airline to improve its financial performance relative to competitors.
