Southwest Airlines, America’s leading low cost carrier, is dropping two connections out of Orange County, California’s John Wayne Airport (SNA). The two routes are to Chicago’s Midway International Airport (MDW) which is a hub for the airline and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC). The cuts will happen on January 4, 2023.
Southwest Airlines to “offer the most relevant service.”
Photo: Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines is realigning service out of John Wayne Airport in 2023. For one, departures are going down from 57 to 44. Second, John Wayne Airport is intended to be a relief airport from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Southwest is adding an SLC to Long Beach Airport (LBA) route, so the budget airline has a new connection from SLC to Southern California.
In a statement, Southwest Airlines gave The Points Guy explaining the moves;
We’re more than two decades into being the largest air carrier to/from/within California, and though each of the five airports we serve in the LA Basin is unique, many of our Southern California Customers use more than just their ‘neighborhood airport’ to access our flexibility and Hospitality. Our schedule is a dynamic reflection of what our Customers need from us, and we leverage opportunities to offer the most relevant service in each airport.
But new Utah to Southern California budget connections emerge
In other recently reported aviation news, Breeze Airways will connect SNA to Provo, Utah (PVU) – which is only about 45 miles away from Salt Lake City and connected by highway and regional rail. The twice-a-day flights will start February 16 with Airbus A220-300 service. Fares will start from $49 for economy “Nice” to first class “Nicest” $99. Below are the flight numbers and times of the flights:
- Provo to John Wayne Airport: MX602, 07:30-08:15 (1h 45m block time)
- John Wayne Airport to Provo: MX603, 20:05-22:45 (1h 40m)
Allegiant Air also makes this flight six times a week, but Breeze offers newer aircraft. Speaking about the airline’s new connections, Airport Director of John Wayne Airport, Charlene Reynolds, commented,
“We are pleased to welcome a new airline partner to our diverse group of carriers. Breeze supports community interests by bringing Orange County a fleet of cleaner, quieter aircraft. We are excited to deliver a superior level of convenience for our guests with additional service and new destinations.”
In fact, the Airbus A220 is one of the quietest jetliners around versus Southwest Airlines’ Boeing 737 family.
Continuing the Southwest Airlines tradition
Photo: Southwest Airlines
It’s worth noting that Southwest Airlines was a pioneer in developing the low cost carrier model. Part of the model is about flying short, in demand routes with appropriate frequency. There has been a Southwest effect seen where Southwest Airlines enters a new route or market and with its lower fare spurs new demand for airline travel. The lower fares push competitors to lower their fares, which again increases demand for airline travel and can raise profits for all.
Nonetheless, the pilots’ union is concerned with the operation
As per the above podcast, Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA) President Casey Murray voiced his concerns about the airline. Murray said about negotiations for a contract, “It’s going better” because, “there’s an adult in the room” who can assign “specific homework” to “guide us to a solution”. Nonetheless, Murray made clear a strike authorization vote is a possibility; in December, SWAPA will hold an informational picket at Wall Street.
Nonetheless, Murray said he wants Southwest Airlines to return to the days of Herb Kelleher, the late founder. Murray also said,
Our pilots don’t succeed unless Southwest succeeds. And it’s critical to us. And that is really what our main focus is.
As Kelleher who Southwest Airlines just paid tribute to with a new livery would say,
Your employees come first. And if you treat your employees right, guess what? Your customers come back, and that makes your shareholders happy. Start with employees and the rest follows from that.
What are your thoughts on developments? Let us know in the comments.
Source: The Points Guy