OREANDA-NEWS. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) and the carrier's Flight Simulation Technicians, represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local Union No. 19, have agreed to a new two-year Contract. The Contract, ratified this week, provides opportunities for bonuses tied to Company and Flight Simulation Technicians' performance, as well as other mutually beneficial enhancements.

"I appreciate the professionalism of the Negotiating Committee representing our Flight Simulation Technicians," said Russell McCrady, Senior Director of Labor Relations. "I'm pleased that we quickly reached an agreement that recognizes the contributions of this hardworking group."

The Flight Simulation Technicians are responsible for continuous maintenance and engineering support for the Flight Operations Training Center, where all Southwest Airlines Pilots receive training, as well as support for Flight Attendant emergency door trainers. The group was named Southwest's Heroes of the Heart winner for 2014, an annual tribute awarded to a behind the scenes workgroup whose dedication contributes to Southwest's success.

Southwest continues to count on the incredible reliability of its Flight Simulation Technicians as the airline completes the integration of AirTran, trains classes of New Hire Pilots, and adds hundreds of Captains through 2015.