1. Southwest Airlines completes IATA Operational Safety Audit, enhancing safety standards. 2. Compliance with IOSA boosts airline's credibility and potential partnerships. 3. The IOSA registration is valid for two years, requiring subsequent audits. 4. Southwest aims to connect customers with global destinations through safety excellence. 5. Safety culture aligned with IOSA standards fortifies Southwest's operational integrity.
Completing the IOSA audit can increase investor confidence, similar to past safety improvements boosting stock prices.
The IOSA certification is crucial for operational standards and future partnerships, significantly impacting LUV's market outlook.
The IOSA certification aids strategic growth and partnerships, positively affecting LUV in the long run.
DALLAS, Jan. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) today announced another milestone in its commitment to Safety and transformational journey with the successful completion of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). IOSA is a flagship program of the International Air Transport Association.
"Along with our robust Safety Management System and Safety Culture we already have in place, successfully completing IOSA reinforces our commitment to Safety and makes us accountable to the high standards upheld by airlines around the globe," said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines.
IOSA is an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. Having met IOSA's exacting standards, Southwest Airlines® joins the IOSA Registry for a two-year period. All IOSA airlines must then complete a further audit to remain on the Registry.
"IOSA represents the highest global standard for airline operational safety that is respected by regulators worldwide and well-established as a cornerstone for airline partnerships," said Nick Careen, IATA'S Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security. "We are pleased to have Southwest onboard as part of its transformational journey as it looks to connect its Customers with more global destinations."
The strategic pillars of IOSA are Safety, effectiveness, and integrity. The initial audit assessed Safety standards across all operating departments, including manuals, procedures, and Safety programs. IOSA is a requirement for IATA membership.
Southwest® announced its first airline partnership with Icelandair in September 2024, and IOSA registration is a key step toward potential new partnerships.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 117 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. By empowering its more than 73,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 137 million Customers carried in 2023. Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship.
1 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey since Q1 2021
2 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees
SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.