With over 100 orders on file with Boeing for 737-700's the carrier is looking to add capacity to their schedule this year. One of their key cities might just be Denver. Southwest Airlines Co. (LUV) CEO Gary Kelly said, "We feel we need a lot of nonstop destinations here to really build the market." Continuing he says the company has some plans up their sleeve but did not say what those plans would be.
With over two dozen of the new aircraft coming this year, Southwest is looking to expand in Denver, where it has seen relative success. By June of this year the airline will operate 41 flights out of Denver and with their current capacity they could add up to 9 more daily flights. However, Southwest has been eyeing some of the new gates in Denver's expanding C Concourse.
Gary Kelly said, "We can't just compete on fares. What's really different for us going forward is that we're looking more aggressively to enhance the customer experience."
Southwest Airlines always ranks near the top in customer service, so it will be interesting to see how Kelly aims to improve on that aspect. However, I'm all for his aims. The competition, in regards to customer service in the airline industry, has not always been regarded as the highest. Southwest CEO Kelly understands that keeping the customer pleased with the service keeps them coming back even though they might not always be the least expensive. Some airlines have yet to figure that out.
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