Atlanta business leaders were given the opportunity to chat with Southwest’s CEO, Gary Kelly, at today’s Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce Luncheon. The Insights on Leadership Luncheon, which was attended by more than 400 business, civic, and community leaders of Atlanta, aims to spotlight national leaders and give them the chance to share tips regarding their success in business.
During the program, Gary surprised the audience with the exciting announcement that Southwest Airlines will begin service to Atlanta with an initial schedule of 15 daily nonstop departures to five destinations: Baltimore/Washington, Chicago Midway, Denver, Houston Hobby, and Austin! With initial fares for nonstop travel as low as $79 one-way, the first Southwest flights to and from Georgia will be an exciting milestone as Southwest fills a hole in its robust route map. To see a visual of Atlanta’s route map, click here. Here’s what the schedule looks like:
BEGINNING FEB. 12, 2012 (open for sale today on southwest.com😞
- $99 each way between Atlanta and Austin - two daily nonstop roundtrips
- $79 each way between Atlanta and Baltimore/Washington - four daily nonstop roundtrips
- $99 each way between Atlanta and Denver - two daily nonstop roundtrips
- $99 each way between Atlanta and Houston Hobby - three daily nonstop roundtrips
- $79 each way between Atlanta and Chicago Midway - four daily nonstop roundtrips
The big news was met with applause around the room. After the excitement of the new service was announced, the crowd listened intently as Gary discussed the recent acquisition of AirTran Airways and gave an update on the business. He also spoke very candidly about his career in aviation and even shared of a few of his secrets of success.
Attendees were thrilled to meet Gary and the Team of Southwest Employees who traveled from Dallas to attend the luncheon. These trailblazers of the community conveyed their enthusiasm about Southwest beginning service in Atlanta as well as their eagerness to establish a relationship with our Company.
Gary expressed his enthusiasm about joining forces with AirTran and assured the crowd that Southwest would work hard introducing ourselves to Atlanta and help support the city’s rich diversity of exceptional nonprofits and organizations. He also asked that Atlantans take the time to get to know Southwest and learn more about Southwest’s Fun-LUVing, unique culture.
To view photos and video from the event, visit swamedia.com
