Southwest Airlines Appoints Two New Members to Board of Directors

Villanueva is a partner in RC Fontis, aCalifornia-based private equity firm. Villanueva previously was Managing Partner of Bastion Capital Corporation, a private equity investment fund. Currently, he serves on the Boards of Metropolitan West Funds, Citibank (Banamex USA), and Fleetwood Enterprises, Inc. Villanueva spent 25 years in the broadcasting business as a television executive with Spanish International Communications Corp., and its successor company, Univision. He previously served on the Boards of Univision Network, Telemundo Network, 7UP Bottling ofSouthern California, and Film Roman, aCalifornia-based animation studio.

Denison has a long history in the airline industry. He previously served in an executive capacity with Global Aero Logistics Inc., an airline holding company, including as its Chairman of the Board. Prior to that, Denison served as Executive Vice President of Corporate Services for Southwest Airlines. During his time at Southwest, Denison also held the roles of Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Before joining Southwest Airlines, Denison held the Assistant Treasurer position at The LTV Corporation in Dallas. He also worked as the Manager of Corporate Finance for the Chrysler Corporation inDetroit.

"We are proud to add businessmen of this caliber to our Board," said Gary Kelly, Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer for Southwest Airlines. "We know their talent and experience will provide fresh insight particularly as our industry still faces many challenges."

Villanueva enjoys giving his time to the community by serving on various nonprofit boards including the American Red Cross, the National Hispanic Education Fund, and the National YMCA. He was active in immigration reform legislation and was a Commissioner of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games inLos Angeles. He is a graduate of New Mexico State University. In 2007, Villanueva was inducted into the National Hispanic Sports Hall of Fame, located inTexas.

Denison received his MBA from Wayne State University inDetroit and his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Oakland University. He served his country as a Sergeant in the US Army.

Pursuant to the Company's Bylaws, both men will initially serve for a term lasting until the Company's next Annual Meeting of Shareholders in May 2009. Other members of Southwest's Board of Directors are: David W. Biegler, Louis E. Caldera, C. Webb Crockett, William H. Cunningham, Ph.D., Travis C. Johnson, Gary C. Kelly Nancy B. Loeffler, and John T. Montford.

About Southwest Airlines

After 37 years of service, Southwest Airlines, the nation's leading low-fare carrier, continues to stand above other airlines-offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the most productive airline in the sky and offers Customers a comfortable traveling experience with all premium leather seats and plenty of legroom. Southwest recently updated its gate areas and improved its boarding procedure to make flying Southwest Airlines even more convenient and simple. Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV), the nation's largest carrier in terms of domestic passengers enplaned, currently serves 64 cities in 32 states. Based inDallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has more than 34,000 Employees systemwide.

                           http://www.southwest.com

SOURCE Southwest Airlines

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