CHICAGO, 2015-3-19 — /Travel PR News/ — Thirty years ago today, Southwest Airlines began service at Midway International Airport. Southwest’s operation in Chicago began with 40 employees and seven daily flights to St. Louis. Today, Midway is the carrier’s largest operation with more than 4,200 local employees and an average of 250 daily nonstop departures to nearly 70 destinations across the United States, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
“Southwest Airlines was only 14 years old in 1985, yet the time was right to extend our brand and our route network into Chicago,” said Ron Ricks, Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President. “It’s incredible to look back to see the growth that’s occurred in those three decades. We’re consistently humbled at the dedication our thousands of Chicago-based people have for our customers, each other, and the community we love. It is this dedication that has helped us grow into one of the largest carriers serving the Chicago area.”
Southwest’s Diamond anniversary celebration, which falls on St. Patrick’s Day, included two cakes courtesy of Midway concessionaire Mac One, a performance by Chicago’s Shannon Rovers and a traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage for the enjoyment of passengers.
“On behalf of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, we congratulate Southwest Airlines on 30 successful years at Midway,” said Erin O’Donnell, Managing Deputy Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation, Midway. “Southwest has been an excellent partner to the City of Chicago. Its long-term and ongoing commitment to our great City has provided travelers with a robust network of service to domestic and international markets and provided a growing job base for the City and region.”
The carrier also is showing its commitment to Chicago by refreshing its specialty aircraft, Illinois One, which is painted with the Illinois state flag. This is the first of the carrier’s iconic specialty aircraft to be painted with the airline’s new bold ‘Heart’ look.
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Southwest Airlines marks its 30th year at Midway International Airport