Monthly trade magazine Air Transport World has awarded Southwest Airlines with its top honor, naming the low-cost carrier its 2015 Airline of the Year.
The airline's standards of service, both exceptional and remarkably consistent, were cited in addition to its impressive financial performance, safety record and environmental and corporate responsibility.
According to a press release from Southwest, a big reason for the airline's triumph was that it reached its return on invested capital target of 15 percent for the first time in more than a dozen years. Before taxes and not including special items, the Dallas-based company reported 17.1 percent for the 12-month period ending on June 30, 2014.
"On behalf of the People of Southwest Airlines, I am delighted that our airline has been selected by ATW as Airline of the Year," said Southwest Airlines chairman, president and CEO Gary Kelly in a statement.
Kelly went on to thank the airline's employees and detail some of the carrier's recent improvements:
"This is a prestigious honor, and I am proud for all of our employees. They have done an extraordinary job transforming Southwest over the past decade, which has culminated in a year of historic achievements. Because of their Warrior Spirits, Southwest now flies to international destinations; Dallas Love Field has been set free from the Wright Amendment; AirTran will be fully integrated in just days; and LUV has reached lifetime highs. We celebrated this year with a bold new look to our brand and aircraft livery. This award is, truly, icing on the cake!"
In explaining the magazine's decision to award Southwest with the prestigiuos title of Airline of the Year, ATW editor-in-chief Karen Walker praised Kelly for his role in Southwest's success:
"CEO Gary Kelly's leadership has allowed the airline to become the USA's largest in terms of originating domestic passengers, as well as one of the world's safest airlines. With Gary at the helm, Southwest said goodbye to the Wright Amendment and hello to international destinations-massive milestones. All of this while delivering a financial performance that is the envy of airlines worldwide and customer service that is renowned for its hospitality. I sincerely congratulate Gary and the entire Southwest Airlines team."
Southwest, which will officially receive its honor at an ATW awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 25, is the only airline in the world that can claim 41 consecutive years of profitability.
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