Southwest has announced the opening of a new Crew Base for both Pilots and Flight Attendants in March 2026 in Austin, Texas.
The new Crew Base will create over 2,000 new jobs based at Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and position the airline for continued growth within Central Texas.
The majority of the employees at the new Base will be Captains, First Officers, and Flight Attendants, supported by new Base Leadership and supporting staff.
Southwest has also stated it has plans to add a recurring training facility for Flight Attendants as part of its ongoing business reorganisation.
Once open in March; the Base will contain approximately 335 Pilots and 650 Flight Attendants, with Southwest aiming for a fully-utilised site of 2,000 total employees by mid-2027.
Bob Jordan, President, Chief Executive Officer, and Vice Chairman of the Board, said:This investment demonstrates our commitment to Austin and to our Customers.
As the largest carrier at Austin Bergstrom International Airport, we appreciate the vision of Governor Abbott and Mayor Watson in clearing the way for Austin to become an even bigger part of our future.
Announcement of the new Base comes as the airline begins to expand its offerings to include services to a number of additional leisure destinations, including Fort Myers, Palm Springs and Steamboat Springs, bringing its total of nonstop destinations to 53.
Southwest is also set to begin daily service between Austin and Cincinnati in June 2026, as well as increased seasonal services in markets such as Pensacola.
