Southwest Airlines Pilots, AirTran Pilots, and Carriers Reach Four-Party Agreement

Earlier today, the respective Unions representing Southwest Airlines

and AirTran Airways

Pilots, as well as both Companies signed a Four-Party Process Agreement that provides for the two pilot groups to begin their seniority integration discussions prior to legal closing of the AirTran acquisition. It also outlines provisions of an implementation schedule in the event an agreement is reached on an integrated seniority list. Southwest anticipates closing on its acquisition of AirTran Airways in second quarter of 2011.