HOME > What Was Southwest Airlines Original Name?
Introduction
Southwest Airlines is one of the most successful airlines in the world, known for its low fares, friendly service, and unique corporate culture. But what many people don't know is that Southwest Airlines wasn't always called Southwest Airlines. In fact, the airline had a different name when it first started out, and it wasn't until later that it became the airline we know today. In this article, we'll explore the history of Southwest Airlines and how it became the airline it is today.
The Early Days of Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines was founded in 1967 by Herb Kelleher and Rollin King. The two men had a vision for an airline that would provide low-cost, no-frills service between cities in Texas. At the time, the aviation industry was dominated by large, established airlines that charged high fares and offered a lot of amenities. Kelleher and King believed that there was a market for an airline that would offer basic service at a lower price.
The Birth of Air Southwest
When Kelleher and King first started their airline, they called it Air Southwest. The name was chosen because the airline was focused on serving cities in the Southwest United States. Air Southwest began operations in 1971, with flights between Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The airline quickly gained a reputation for its low fares and friendly service, and it began to attract a loyal following of customers.
The Legal Battle with Southwest Airways
In 1971, Air Southwest was sued by another airline called Southwest Airways. Southwest Airways had been in business since the 1940s, and it claimed that Air Southwest's name was too similar to its own. The legal battle between the two airlines lasted for several years, and it wasn't until 1975 that Air Southwest was allowed to keep its name. However, by that time, the airline had already decided to change its name to Southwest Airlines.
The Birth of Southwest Airlines
In 1971, Air Southwest changed its name to Southwest Airlines. The new name was chosen because it better reflected the airline's focus on serving cities in the Southwest United States. The airline continued to grow and expand, adding new routes and destinations throughout the 1970s and 1980s. By the 1990s, Southwest Airlines had become one of the largest and most successful airlines in the world.
Conclusion
Southwest Airlines is a true success story in the aviation industry. From its humble beginnings as Air Southwest to its current status as one of the world's largest airlines, Southwest Airlines has always been focused on providing low-cost, no-frills service to its customers. While the airline's name may have changed over the years, its commitment to providing excellent service at a low price has remained the same. Today, Southwest Airlines continues to be a leader in the aviation industry, and it serves as a model for other airlines around the world.
