[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 121 (Thursday, July 26, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1631]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF HERB D. KELLEHER'S RETIREMENT AS EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF 
                           SOUTHWEST AIRLINES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2007

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to an aviation 
legend who recently announced his plan to retire next May. Herb 
Kelleher is a founder of Southwest Airlines and currently serves as its 
Executive Chairman, a position that he has held since the spring of 
1978. From the fall of 1981 to the summer of 2001, Kelleher also served 
as President and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines.
  Southwest started its operations in 1971 with just three airplanes. 
Today, it operates a fleet of 489 airplanes with orders for many more 
737s. Home-based at Dallas Love Field, I am proud to represent many 
Southwest Airlines employees that live in the 32nd Congressional 
District of Texas. Southwest Airlines has been profitable for 34 
consecutive years, a feat that is impressive for any business, but for 
an airline to be profitable for 34 consecutive years, given all of the 
challenges and tough competition in the aviation industry, is truly 
impressive. Southwest Airlines prides itself on never having furloughed 
an employee during its history.
  Kelleher's vision for Southwest Airlines was not to produce a company 
that would just return profits to its shareholders--but for a company 
that has the respect and admiration of those who purchase the tickets 
and go to work everyday for the company. For the 10th year in a row, 
Fortune magazine honored Southwest Airlines in its annual survey of 
corporate reputations. Furthermore, among all industries in 2006, 
Fortune has also ranked Southwest Airlines as number three among 
America's Top Ten most admired corporations.
  I have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Herb for many 
years, and I wish him all the very best for a well-earned retirement 
next year. However, knowing Herb, he will continue to work very hard 
for Southwest Airlines until the day that he leaves the office for the 
last time. He may be leaving the airline that he helped to create, but 
his legacy will never leave the spirit that is Southwest Airlines.

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