The airline industry has had a tough year so far, with a number of airlines going into liquidation, and with the news that oil prices are set to increase further, I took the opportunity of interviewing Sharon Ferguson, of Southwest Airlines, an airline that flies to over 60 cities within the US.

Are we seeing an end to low cost flights?

I really do not think that low cost flights are a thing of the past.

The airline industry is in the midst of a very difficult phase, and of course, all airlines are responding to the tough industry. Naturally, fares are increasing but it’s important to note that we pride ourselves on giving the common, everyday traveller the freedom to fly.

You’ve forced the message of ‘no fee’s on Southwest’ will this really last?

I can assure you that we are not considering adding or raising any fees at Southwest Airlines. We know that the last thing our Customers want is to be nickled and dimed. There’s nothing more frustrating than a surprise charge for a service that was previously free.

What are you doing to really help the environment?

I’m so proud to say that Southwest Airlines is committed to conservation and preservation–especially by reducing our emissions. Recently, we’ve started flying slower. By adding 10-15 minutes to our flight time, we can use less fuel.

We are also utilizing an environmentally friendly engine-washing system in an effort to save on fuel and cut carbon. We’re working fervently to implement RNP (Required Navigation Performance) a GPS-based navigation technology that allows us to identify more accurate and efficient flight paths.

In the current economic climate do you have plans to introduce or drop any routes?

Actually, we announced new services on June 26th. We will reduce our schedule by 31 flights, but we’re introducing 40 new daily nonstops to key growth cities. Even though times are tough, we are still growing!

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