OREANDA-NEWS. Southwest Airlines Co. announced today that negotiators have reached an Agreement in Principle for the Company's Facilities Maintenance Technicians. Terms of the five-year deal include a complete set of work rules, a wage scale, and a ratification bonus. If ratified, the agreement would become the group's first contract since being accreted into the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA). 

"We appreciate our Facilities Maintenance Technicians and their contributions to the success of Southwest Airlines," said Senior Director Corporate Facilities John Zuzu. "This agreement recognizes their efforts, and it supports the needs of our operations and our Company."

The Agreement in Principle is subject to final review by AMFA's National Executive Committee before it is submitted to its members for a vote. A date for a ratification vote will be determined in the coming days.

In its 46th 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 52,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually.  Southwest operates more than 3,900 departures a day during peak travel season across a network of 98 destinations in the United Statesand seven additional countries with service to three airports in Cubaexpected to begin later this year, subject to governmental approvals.

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.  That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as more than 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest created Transfarency?, a philosophy which treats Customers honestly and fairly, and in which low fares actually stay low. 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. The airline proudly unveiled a bold new look:  Heart.  A new logo, aircraft livery, interior design featuring a new seat and Flight Attendant galley, Employee-designed uniforms, and an updated airport experience all showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees who connect Customers with what's important in their lives.