Governor Abbott announced Southwest Airlines will establish a new pilot and flight attendant crew base in Austin that will create over 2000 high-paying jobs

Austin, Texas – Governor Greg Abbott joined Southwest Airlines executives and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to unveil a major expansion project that is expected to bring over 2,000 high-paying jobs to the city by mid-2027. Southwest Airlines will establish a new pilot and flight attendant crew base in Austin, supported by a $14 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) and a $375,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.

The expansion signals a long-term investment by the airline in its home state, with the new crew base designed to support operations across Southwest’s national flight network. This new hub will include not only flight crews but also management and support staff, a command center, and a training facility for flight attendants. The average salary for positions at the new base is projected at $180,000.

“Southwest Airlines was born and raised in Texas and has been a core element of the economic growth we have seen in our state,” said Governor Abbott. “We are excited to announce that today Southwest Airlines will add over 2,000 high paying jobs right here in Texas. We are the home of economic opportunity for our fellow Texans more than any other state in the United States, and we know a key reason for that is because of everything Southwest Airlines provides.”

A Strategic Partnership for Growth and Opportunity

The announcement represents the culmination of collaboration among state leaders, city officials, and Southwest executives. The investment highlights Austin’s growing importance as a transportation and economic hub and reinforces the airline’s commitment to deepening its roots in Texas, where it has been headquartered since 1967.

Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan emphasized the airline’s ongoing commitment to the city. “This investment demonstrates our commitment to Austin and to our customers,” said Jordan. “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.”

Mayor Kirk Watson praised the performance-based agreement for prioritizing economic opportunity and workforce development. “We’re laser focused on making sure people in Austin have good incomes, so they can afford to live and build a life in our city,” said Mayor Watson. “This performance-based agreement is a win-win-win deal focused on creating good-paying jobs for Austinites, strengthening our local economy, and providing more investment in childcare and workforce development programs.”

Broad Support from State and Local Leaders

Several Texas lawmakers and economic development leaders expressed support for the expansion, praising it as a meaningful boost for the local economy and a testament to Texas’ leadership in business innovation.

“Congratulations to Southwest Airlines on receiving a $14 million Texas Enterprise Fund grant and for selecting Austin and Senate District 21 as the site of its new pilot and flight attendant crew base,” said Senator Judith Zaffirini. “This exciting investment underscores the company’s commitment to our state and will generate thousands of good-paying jobs in this area.”

Representative Lulu Flores echoed those sentiments: “This grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund will contribute to Southwest Airlines’ investment in the economic growth of the Austin area that I represent. My constituents will benefit greatly from the job opportunities these projects will bring, and I welcome this opportunity to continue partnering with this exceptional Texas company.”

Opportunity Austin CEO Ed Latson said the agreement reflects the city’s ability to use development tools to attract high-impact investments. “Southwest’s decision is a significant victory for the City of Austin, the Central Texas region, and the State of Texas. It demonstrates how economic development tools empower communities to secure job-creating investments that support long-term community impact.”

With this expansion, Southwest Airlines — which operates over 4,000 flights daily and served more than 140 million passengers in 2024 — continues to grow its footprint while reinforcing Texas’ role as a leader in aviation and job creation.