- link Copy Url
- [  Share on twitter ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Southwest Airlines’ Culture Drives Profitability and Community Caring https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/9183?absolute=1&via=3blnews "link to 3 B L Media's Twitter")
- [  Share on linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/9183?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Linkedin")
- [  Share on facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/9183?absolute=1 "link to 3 B L Media's Facebook")
- [ email Share via email ](mailto:?subject=Southwest Airlines’ Culture Drives Profitability and Community Caring&body=ESG News from Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) https://www.3blmedia.com/markdownify/node/9183?absolute=1 "Share via email")
 
 

 # Southwest Airlines’ Culture Drives Profitability and Community Caring

 

##### By Debra Benton, Director of Community Relations & Charitable Giving, Southwest Airlines

 

 

 Sep 22, 2010 1:10 PM ET

  Campaign:  [BCLCblog](/news/campaign/bclcblog)  

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

 



        

   

 

[BCLCblog.com - For Responsive and Responsible Business](http://bclc.chamberpost.com/2010/09/southwest-airlines-culture-drives-profitability-and-community-caring.html)

It’s no secret that the last few years have been tough for our company and our industry. We like to think we’ve weathered the storm well, evidenced by our 37 years of profitability even in the face of the worst economic climate our country has seen in recent history.

Last year Southwest lead all domestic carriers (both legacy and low cost), and produced a $143 million profit, excluding special items. Given how sick the economy was, that was a huge victory for us.

At Southwest, the numbers are important, but they don’t tell the whole story. We are proud to say that we did not choose to lay off employees, cut pay rates, or cut benefits. In the words of Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines CEO, “People aren’t an expense – our People are our heart and soul.”

This philosophy is apparent in every aspect of how our company is run including our culture. A big part of that culture is living the Southwest Way. [Read More](http://bclc.chamberpost.com/2010/09/southwest-airlines-culture-drives-profitability-and-community-caring.html)

**[**The Business Civic Leadership Center**](http://www.uschamber.com/bclc/default)** is a 501(c)3 affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is the business community’s voice and resource for social and philanthropic interests. The annual Global Corporate Citizenship Conference exists to promote opportunities for companies of all sizes, all types, to partner with governments and NGOs to advance human and economic progress.

BCLC9183



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [![](/sites/default/files/Clients/bclc.JPG)](/profiles/business-civic-leadership-center-bclc)

 



 

### More from Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC)

###### [The Business of Clean Tech](/news/business-clean-tech)

 Jul 15, 2011 1:15 PM ET

  



###### [Exceptional Line Up of Leaders for Environmental Innovation](/news/exceptional-line-leaders-environmental-innovation)

 Jun 15, 2011 11:30 AM ET

  



###### [FEMA, Red Cross, and National VOAD Tap BCLC’s Gerald McSwiggan as Business Specialist for New Mass Care Council](/news/fema-red-cross-and-national-voad-tap-bclcs-gerald-mcswiggan-business-specialist-new-mass-care)

 Jun 8, 2011 5:29 PM ET

  



###### [BCLC Announces Key Sponsors of National R4 Conference](/news/bclc-announces-key-sponsors-national-r4-conference)

 Jun 6, 2011 4:00 PM ET

  



###### [2011 Global Food Security Forum](/news/2011-global-food-security-forum)

 May 27, 2011 12:40 PM ET

  



###### [Innovators Take the Stage at National Business-Environmental Conference in Las Vegas, July 18-20](/news/innovators-take-stage-national-business-environmental-conference-las-vegas-july-18-20)

 May 26, 2011 11:00 AM ET

  



###### [Strategic Changes in Disaster Giving](/news/strategic-changes-disaster-giving)

 May 20, 2011 5:50 PM ET

  



###### [Nominate Your Company for the U.S. Chamber BCLC Annual Corporate Citizenship Awards](/news/nominate-your-company-us-chamber-bclc-annual-corporate-citizenship-awards)

 Apr 26, 2011 11:55 AM ET