Southwest Airlines announced that it will lay off about 1,750 employees, or 15% of its corporate workforce. According to an official statement released earlier today, the cuts will mainly impact corporate overhead and leadership positions, including eleven senior roles at the vice president level and 15% of the senior management committee.
“This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history, and change requires that we make difficult decisions,” CEO Bob Jordan said in a news release. “We are at a pivotal moment as we transform Southwest Airlines into a leaner, faster, and more agile organization.”
Southwest’s announcement marked an undesirable milestone –– The first mass layoffs in the airline’s 53-year history. The change reflects a shift in strategy after pressure from Elliott Investment Management. Southwest expects to save $210 million in 2025 and $300 million in 2026 due to these cuts. CEO Robert Jordan announced that layoffs will start in April and largely finish by the end of the second quarter, with most affected employees continuing to receive salaries and benefits during this period.
Southwest Airlines serves 14 airports in Florida. Here is the list of these airports:
- Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
- Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
- Orlando International Airport (MCO)
- Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
- Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP)
- Pensacola International Airport (PNS)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ)
- Tampa International Airport (TPA)
