SOUTHWEST AIRLINES AWARDED A TOP SCORE ON THE 2023 DISABILITY EQUALITY INDEX

Carrier recognized by the Disability Equality Index® for the fourth consecutive year

DALLAS, Oct. 27, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) is proud to score a 100 on The Disability Equality Index (DEI) for the fourth consecutive year. Launched in 2015 by Disability:IN and The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the DEI is a leading initiative that assesses organizations showcasing leadership in disability inclusion programs.

"We're passionate about creating inclusion in our hiring practices to empower all Employees to create a dynamic career that fits the goals—and lifestyle—they want," said Lindsey Lang, Vice President People at Southwest Airlines. "Our People are the Heart of Southwest, and by fostering a Culture of caring, we recognize that every experience, perspective, and background makes an incredible and positive impact on our Company." 

One of the many initiatives at Southwest^® to create an inclusive environment is the Campus Reach Neurodiversity Internship Program, designed for college students who are neurodivergent and seeking experience through career coaching and mentorship in the Company's Technology Department.

"At Southwest, we're dedicated to being a best place to work for all our Employees," said Juan Suarez, Vice President Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Southwest Airlines. "By participating in the Disability Equality Index, we can evaluate our processes and identify opportunities for continuous improvement surrounding our efforts to provide Employees with the resources they need to promote disability inclusion. We're honored to receive a top score again this year."

To learn more about the carrier's commitment to creating a welcoming, diverse, inclusive, and safe workplace, visit southwest.com/onereport/.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.
Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 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. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its more than 74,000² People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 126 million Customers carried in 2022. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years³ of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). 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. As the airline with Heart, Southwest has set a goal to work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Southwest has also set near-term targets and a four-pillar strategy to achieve its environmental goals. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/planet.  

1. Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey since Q1 2021
2. Fulltime-equivalent active Employees       
3. 1973-2019 annual profitability     

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.