Southwest Airlines Pilots’ Association (SWAPA) is the sole bargaining unit for the more than 5,900 pilots of Southwest Airlines. Southwest pilots are leaders in aviation industry productivity and are the world’s leading experts on flying the Boeing-737, the only aircraft type at the Company.

SWAPA celebrated 30 years of service on March 27, 2008. Prior to the union’s beginnings in 1978, pilots worked cooperatively with the Company to compile work rules for safe, efficient operations. That cooperative spirit has continued through the negotiation of eight labor contracts.

“We provide excellent service to our passengers and we work efficiently and effectively to help improve our Company’s bottom line,” SWAPA President, Capt. Carl Kuwitzky said. “We will continue to be an integral part of our Company’s continued success and we are dedicated to the future growth of our pilot group and Southwest Airlines.”

Often called upon by government and industry officials for their aircraft experience and proactive safety approach, Southwest pilots are leaders in regulatory and legislative issues on Capitol Hill. As an independent pilot union, SWAPA is a member of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) and heads the CAPA Safety Council.