Press Releases
October 13, 2014
Oakland International Airport Heralds
The End Of “Wright Amendment” And New, First-Ever Nonstops To Dallas-Love On Southwest Airlines
Seats Now On Sale for Daily Flights from OAK Starting January 6th 2015
Oakland, CA – October 13, 2014 – Pomp and circumstance set the tone of celebration today at Dallas Love Field in Texas. Southwest Airlines today commemorated the end of the restrictive Wright Amendment. The federal law adopted in 1979, which until today, prohibited nonstop and direct flights from Dallas Love Field to most of the United States, including California.
“After 34 long years, Southwest now has the right to spread our low fares, our friendly policies, our Fun-LUVing Attitudes, and Legendary Customer Service,” said Gary Kelly, Southwest Airlines Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer.
In the initial phase, seven new markets from Dallas Love Field were launched today. Oakland International Airport (OAK) is added to the Southwest’s new schedule of nonstop destinations with daily service to Dallas-Love commencing on January 6, 2015. A second daily flight will begin in March 2015. As always, tickets and low fares are available online only at Southwest.com.
“We look forward to the new nonstop service and are excited for our customers to experience Southwest Airlines’ legendary low fares and customer service nonstop to Dallas Love Field and multiple new connecting opportunities beyond. This new service matches perfectly with the ease and convenience of flying OAK for San Francisco Bay Area residents and visitors alike,” said Deborah Ale Flint Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland.
About Southwest
In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 45,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Based on the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Southwest is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded. The airline also operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world to serve 93 destinations in 40 states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and five near-international countries. Some flights are operated by wholly owned subsidiary AirTran Airways. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for its triple bottom line approach that takes into account the carrier’s performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities it serves, and its commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report™ can be found at southwest.com/citizenship.
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 Southwest Airlines, Bags Fly Free ® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are no change fees (fare difference may apply) when you need to change your flight. Southwest’s fleet offers leather seating and the comfort of full-size cabins, a majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi connectivity over the United States, which enables live and video-on-demand TV currently FREE compliments of DISH, and a new, sustainable cabin interior. Southwest acquired AirTran Airways in May 2011 and by the end of 2014 intends to complete the full integration of the AirTran network into Southwest. With 41 consecutive years of profitability, the People of Southwest and AirTran operate more than 3,600 flights a day. Southwest Airlines’ frequent flights and low fares are available online at southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA
About the Port of Oakland
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport and Oakland International Airport. The Port’s jurisdiction includes 20 miles of waterfront from the Bay Bridge through Oakland International Airport. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
Media Contact:
Mona Hernandez,
Aviation Marketing and Communications
(510) 563-2892
[email protected]