OREANDA-NEWS. May 29, 2015. Southwest Airlines® (NYSE: LUV) today announced Jason Van Eaton has joined the Company as its new Managing Director of Governmental Affairs.  In the newly created position, Van Eaton will lead the Governmental Affairs Team, which is devoted to building and fostering relationships and advocating for Southwest in local communities, at the state level, and in Washington, D.C.  To view Van Eaton's bio, click here.       

"Jason will be a valuable addition to the Southwest Family and brings with him a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors that will serve him well in this new role," said Southwest Airlines' Executive Vice President and Chief Legal and Regulatory Officer Ron Ricks.    

Van Eaton previously served as former United States Senator Kit Bond's State Director, as well as in a number of Leadership roles in the private sector, most recently as Managing Partner of Kit Bond Strategies.  Jason returns to the North Texas region, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Texas Christian University (TCU). 

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 47,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest operates more than 3,600 flights a day, serving 94 destinations across the United States and six additional countries.  Southwest service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begins on June 7, 2015; and subject to government approvals, service to Belize City, Belize, begins October 15, 2015.  Southwest will begin serving Liberia, Costa Rica, on November 1, 2015, subject to foreign government approval.

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®  to everyone (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply, some airlines may allow free checked bags on select routes or for qualified circumstances), and there are no change fees, though 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. 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.