Who founded southwest airlines?

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is an American low-cost airline that is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. Founded in 1967, it has become one of the largest and most successful airlines in the world, carrying over 130 million passengers annually. Southwest Airlines is known for its affordable fares, exceptional customer service, and commitment to safety.

Herb Kelleher: The Visionary behind Southwest Airlines

Herb Kelleher was the co-founder and former CEO of Southwest Airlines. Born in 1931 in New Jersey, Kelleher had a law degree and was a successful lawyer before he decided to start an airline. Kelleher was known for his charismatic personality and unconventional leadership style, which helped him to create a unique culture at Southwest Airlines. Under his leadership, Southwest Airlines became one of the most profitable airlines in the world.

Rollin King: The Co-Founder of Southwest Airlines

Rollin King was a businessman from Texas who co-founded Southwest Airlines with Herb Kelleher. Born in 1931 in Oklahoma, King served in the United States Air Force before becoming a successful businessman. He was the owner of a small aviation company and was looking for ways to expand his business when he came up with the idea for Southwest Airlines.

How Herb Kelleher and Rollin King met

Herb Kelleher and Rollin King met in 1966 when King was looking for a lawyer to help him start a new airline. Kelleher was a lawyer at the time and was recommended to King by a mutual friend. The two men hit it off and began discussing the idea of starting an airline that would fly within the state of Texas. They decided to call the airline "Southwest Airlines" and began working on a business plan.

The Birth of Southwest Airlines

On March 16, 1967, Southwest Airlines was officially incorporated. The airline began operations on June 18, 1971, flying between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The airline’s first flight was a success, and Southwest Airlines quickly began expanding its route network. By the end of 1972, the airline was serving 14 cities in Texas.

Southwest Airlines: From Texas to the World

In the 1980s, Southwest Airlines began expanding beyond Texas, adding more cities to its network. By the end of the decade, the airline was serving 33 cities in 14 states. In the 1990s, Southwest Airlines continued to grow, adding more destinations across the United States and eventually expanding internationally.

The Growth of Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has experienced incredible growth over the years, thanks in part to its low-fare business model and commitment to customer service. Today, the airline serves over 100 destinations in the United States and ten other countries. It carries more domestic passengers than any other airline in the United States and has become one of the largest airlines in the world.

The Southwest Airlines Revolution

Southwest Airlines has revolutionized the airline industry in many ways. The airline was the first to offer a frequent flyer program, and it was also the first to offer ticketless travel. Southwest Airlines has also been recognized for its innovative marketing campaigns and its commitment to keeping fares low.

Herb Kelleher’s Leadership Style

Herb Kelleher’s leadership style was unconventional, but it was also highly effective. He believed in putting his employees first and creating a positive company culture. Kelleher was known for his sense of humor and his willingness to take risks. He was also a strong advocate for customer service and believed that happy employees led to happy customers.

The Legacy of Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines has had a profound impact on the airline industry and on the way people travel. The airline’s low-fare business model has made air travel more accessible to millions of people, and its commitment to customer service has set a new standard for the industry. Southwest Airlines has also been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and for its contributions to the communities it serves.

Conclusion: Southwest Airlines’ Founders

Herb Kelleher and Rollin King were the visionary founders of Southwest Airlines. They had a bold idea for a low-cost airline that would change the way people travel, and they worked tirelessly to make that idea a reality. Their commitment to innovation, customer service, and employee satisfaction has made Southwest Airlines one of the most successful companies in the world. Today, their legacy lives on, and Southwest Airlines continues to be a leader in the airline industry.

References and Further Reading

Southwest Airlines Corporate History. (n.d.). Southwest Airlines. Retrieved from
Kaplan, D. A. (2016). The Southwest Airlines Way: Using the Power of Relationships to Achieve High Performance. McGraw-Hill Education.