Boston, MA 07/09/2014 (wallstreetpr) – Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV), the largest domestic carrier in the U.S., has entered the international market. Its initial flights outside the borders of the U.S. will be to the Caribbean.
The expansion comes as part of the acquisition of routes of AirTran Airways.
Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) will operate international flights originating from Orlando, Pittsburgh, Boston, Atlanta and Baltimore to Caribbean destinations such as Aruba, Jamaica and Bahamas. Flights to these destinations started Tuesday this week.
More international destinations
The company intends to add flights to Cancun and Los Cabos starting August this year. It has plans to cover Dominican Republic, Punta Cana and Mexico City starting November.
In addition to the international stops already served by AirTran, executives of Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) said they have plans to eventually serve 96 destinations in six countries.
Southwest Airlines carries more domestic passengers than rivals Delta, United and American. The airliner flew more than 60 destinations in 2002 in its route system. This year the figure has gone up to 92 cities.
The addition of international flights coupled with a strong presence in the domestic market is expected to help the carrier increase its revenue and profits.
The latest development in Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) signals the company’s increased focus on business travelers.
Passengers flying the international route with Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) will check two bags free of charge according to a statement in the airline’s website. The company also said weight and size restrictions will differ from the rules observed in the domestic flights.
Compliance with federal rules
Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) had to provide new equipment for its jets and also train its crews as it enters the international market so as to comply with the federal requirements. The federal rules require passenger seats to be equipped with flotation devices for planes covering long distances over water.
Although Southwest Airlines Co (NYSE:LUV) is ambitious about its entry in the international market, the company will have to contend with high costs of jet fuel, which makes up nearly a third of the company’s costs.
