Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly announced that the airline was “seriously considering” operating in the Caribbean, Canadian and Mexico markets by 2011. He also said that they had no interest in acquiring a regional partner stating;

“not our vision going forward.”

This is a significant victory for SWAPA, the pilots union. The failed TA was a very obvious attempt to outsource International flying via code-share and some domestic flying via a regional. It is also a commitment to the SWA culture. I think this will be a win/win. I predict a quick agreement on a new pilot contract and that the Southwest juggernaught will pick up momentum.

One other note; SWA is still shopping for an airline(s).