OREANDA-NEWS. Southwest Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) today was named to FORTUNE's 2015 list of World's Most Admired Companies for the 21st consecutive year. Southwest was ranked as the No. 7 Most Admired Company, and is the only commercial airline to make the Top Ten. FORTUNE partnered with the Hay Group, a global consulting firm, and asked executives, directors, and analysts to rate companies in their industry on nine criteria, from investment value to social responsibility. Leaders chose from the top 25 percent of winners from last year's survey in addition to the top 20 percent in their industry.

"Southwest has the best People in the industry, and being recognized 21 times as a Most Admired Company in the world is a tribute to them," said Gary Kelly, Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Airlines.  "Our common purpose—and passion—allow us to serve our Customers better than anybody else. Our People have set us apart since the beginning, and I congratulate them on this honor."

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest operates more than 3,400 flights a day, serving 93 destinations across the United States and five additional countries.  Southwest service to San Jose, Costa Rica, begins in March 2015. Subject to government approvals, service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begins in June 2015, and service to Belize City, Belize begins in October 2015.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity while over the United States.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Beats Music or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners.  Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are never change fees, although fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic wherever the carrier serves. With 42 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet.