Southwest CEO Gary Kelly announced that his airline willbe adjusting its schedules and slowing anticipated growth in 2008. Still, the airline plans on adding 19 new planes to its fleet next year.
A listing of flight changes impacting the Bay Area are detailed below and go into effect later this Fall.
Also of interest, Mr.Kelly says that Southwest will unveil a new boarding/seating procedures during the 4th quarter this year. Some speculate Southwest may charge for certain seats, following other airlines lead, in order to generate revenue outside of simply selling air tickets. Southwest has also said they are considering higher cargo loads, changing their frequent flyer program and offering onboard entertainment as additional options to strengthen profits.
-Sacramento & San Jose airports are only slightly impacted by the changes.
-Oakland Airport to:
Tucson (New Service) 1 flight a day
Salt Lake City - added 1 flight a day
San Diego - minus 2 flights a day (20 daily flights down to 18)
Reno - minus 1 flight a day
Philadelphia - minus 1 flight a day
Baltimore - minus 1 flight a day
Also, Southwest begins flights out of San Francisco in August.