[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 89 (Tuesday, June 21, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1146]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      SOUTHWEST AIRLINES TURNS 40

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 21, 2011

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to 
congratulate Southwest Airlines on the 40th anniversary of the 
airline's first passenger flight on June 18th, 1971.
  I also commend Herb Kelleher and Rollin King who came up with a 
vision for a low cost and quick airline. Together they came up with the 
idea of Southwest Airlines in 1967. Unfortunately, Southwest was forced 
to hold off on its plans as it was being held in litigation for three 
and a half years.
  And on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines started service among 
Dallas, Houston and San Antonio with three Boeing 737s. Right from the 
start, Kelleher and Southwest emphasized the business philosophy of 
taking care of employees first, and they will take care of your 
customers.
  In 1973, when Southwest ran into some financial difficulties, they 
had the choice of either letting go of some of their employees or 
selling one of their planes. They sold the plane and kept their 
employees.
  Kelleher infused Southwest's culture with his personal values--
humbleness, warmth, sincerity and a care and service of people. If you 
treat people with respect, they will feel valued and add their own 
personality to whatever they do. If you empower people at all levels of 
the organization to be able to make decisions, you'll make leaders 
everywhere. It's about putting the team first and serving the greater 
good.
  In May 2008, Kelleher stepped down as the airline's Chairman, but 
stayed on as an adviser and employee. Kelleher, who turned 80 this 
year, is chairman emeritus.
  Mr. Speaker, as a Member of the House Transportation Subcommittee on 
Aviation and a senior Texan on the House Transportation and 
Infrastructure Committee, I am pleased to recognize Southwest Airlines' 
great contribution to the transportation industry.

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