Southwest Airlines Chairman And CEO Gary Kelly Recognized With Lifetime Achievement Award For Corporate Social Responsibility

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Gary Kelly, Chairman and CEO of Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV), received a Lifetime Achievement Award from 3BL Media’s Responsible CEO of the Year Awards on October 26, 2021. This award recognizes leaders demonstrating exceptional corporate social responsibility (CSR) and commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives. Under Kelly’s leadership, Southwest has reinforced its ESG goals, including achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and enhancing diversity and inclusion efforts. The company has also prioritized employee welfare by avoiding layoffs and pay cuts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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• Gary Kelly received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his leadership in corporate social responsibility.
• Southwest Airlines aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
• The company has not implemented involuntary furloughs or layoffs during the pandemic.

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DALLAS, Oct. 26, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (the "Company") Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board & Chief Executive Officer was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award through 3BL Media's Responsible CEO of the Year Awards. The Responsible CEO Awards recognize corporate executives who demonstrate responsible leadership in executing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) commitments. 

"Southwest Airlines has long believed in 'doing well by doing good,' and we're focused on being a responsible global citizen. Gary's dedication to doing the right thing for our People, through our Performance, and in service to the Planet has driven this commitment," Bob Jordan, Executive Vice President and Incoming Chief Executive Officer. "For more than three decades, Gary has led with Heart, and it's terrific to see him recognized for his Leadership in aligning Southwest to advance its citizenship initiatives to deliver on ESG commitments."

Selected by past winners, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes Gary Kelly's vision, pioneering spirit, and ability to act as a force for good in the business world—all of which led to significant achievement in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) field over the course of his career. Under Gary's Leadership, Southwest has aligned to execute citizenship initiatives including:

• Established and evolved its diversity, equity, and inclusion goals
• Announced its goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050
• Enhanced how the Company reports on its CSR efforts through the Southwest Airlines One Report
• Avoided involuntary furloughs, layoffs, or pay cuts for Employees, including through the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more than 50 years, Southwest has connected People to what's important in their lives by providing friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel. This Purpose is at the core of its citizenship efforts, and it fuels a desire to make the world a better place. For more information, visit the Company's annual CSR report, the Southwest Airlines One Report.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.  
In its 51^st year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by nearly 54,000 Employees to a Customer base that topped 130 million Passengers in 2019. Southwest has a robust network of point-to-point service with a strong presence across top leisure and business markets. In peak travel seasons during 2019, Southwest operated more than 4,000 weekday departures among a network of 101 destinations in the United States and 10 additional countries. In 2020, the carrier added service to Hilo, Hawaii; Cozumel, Mexico; Miami; Palm Springs, Calif.; Steamboat Springs; and Montrose (Telluride), Colo. Thus far in 2021, Southwest has initiated service to Chicago (O'Hare) and Sarasota/Bradenton both on Feb. 14; Savannah/Hilton Head and Colorado Springs both on March 11; Houston (Bush) and Santa Barbara, Calif. both on April 12; Fresno, Calif. on April 25; Destin/Fort Walton Beach on May 6; Myrtle Beach, S.C. on May 23; Bozeman, Mont. on May 27; Jackson, Miss. on June 6; and Eugene, Ore. on Aug. 29. The carrier will begin service to Bellingham, Wash. on Nov. 7; and Syracuse on Nov. 14.  

The carrier issued its Southwest^® Promise in May 2020 to highlight new and round-the-clock efforts to support its Customers and Employees well-being and comfort. Among the changes are enhanced cleaning efforts at airports and onboard aircraft, along with a federal mandate requiring every person to wear a mask at all times throughout each flight. Additional details about the Southwest Promise are available at Southwest.com/Promise.     

Southwest coined Transfarency^® to describe its purposed philosophy of treating Customers honestly and fairly, and low fares actually staying low. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some carriers offer free checked bags on select routes or in qualified circumstances). Southwest does not charge change fees, though fare differences might apply.   

Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. Learn more about how the carrier gives back to communities across the world by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.   

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA^®.   

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

FAQ

What is the significance of Gary Kelly's Lifetime Achievement Award for LUV?

The award recognizes Kelly's commitment to corporate social responsibility and leadership in advancing environmental, social, and governance initiatives.

What are Southwest Airlines' goals related to environmental sustainability?

Southwest aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 as part of its commitment to environmental sustainability.

How did Southwest Airlines support employees during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Southwest Airlines avoided involuntary furloughs, layoffs, or pay cuts for employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When did Gary Kelly receive the Lifetime Achievement Award?

Gary Kelly received the Lifetime Achievement Award on October 26, 2021.

What does ESG commitment mean for Southwest Airlines?

ESG commitment refers to Southwest Airlines' focus on environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and good governance in its operations.