2. 2
Mission Statement (actual)
The mission of Southwest Airlines is
dedication to the highest quality of
Customer Service delivered with a
sense of warmth, friendliness, individual
pride, and Company Spirit.
Vision Statement (Proposed)
At Southwest, we strive to be the new
generation of flight transportation while
providing luxury at a price anyone can
afford.
3. 3
Mission Statement (expanded)
We are committed to quality service for the everyday
person (1). Southwest provides air transportation to
cities all around the United States (2, 3). We fly the
most luxurious planes on the market with the latest
technology money can buy (4). We competitively
provide the lowest airfare price in search for the
greatest advantage in today’s busy world (5). We
provide the highest standards of safety for all our
customers while still offering a reasonable price (6,
7). A portion of our proceeds are donated to various
charities throughout the United States (8). Since our
first flight in 1971, our employees have been the vital
asset in making Southwest the most recognized
airline today (9).
4. 4
Mission Statement Components
1. Customer
2. Product or services
3. Markets
4. Technology
5. Concern for survival, growth, profitability
6. Philosophy
7. Self-concept
8. Concern for public image
9. Concern for employees
6. 6
EFE Matrix-Opportunities
Key External Factors Weight Rating Weighted Score
Opportunities
1. There is an increased demand for international
travel.
0.10 1 0.10
2. There is a decline of 11 percent in airline
companies with funding leading to used planes
being able to be purchased.
0.01 1 0.01
3. Increased demand for cities that are currently
without SW airline flights (Atlanta, New York,
etc.)
0.10 1 0.10
4. Each year airline companies (Delta and
Northwest in 2006) are declaring bankruptcy
leaving more cities existing allowing more
airlines to fly to.
0.05 1 0.05
5. Increase popularity of internet leads to an
expected rise of 22 percent from 2006 in flights
booked online.
0.03 4 0.12
6. Increase popularity with Visa check card
purchases with reward points.
0.01 1 0.01
7. With an increase of nearly 3 million people in
the US there is an expansion of developing cities
across the United States.
0.01 2 0.02
8. Technology is increasing making older planes
outdated.
0.03 2 0.06
9. Increased amount of upper level business
travelers has led to greater demand for better
seats.
0.01 1 0.01
10. Stock market has increased leading to more
money to being spent on vacations or business
affairs.
0.05 1 0.05
11. Decline of 11 percent in airline companies with
funding leading to experienced workers being
laid off.
0.03 3 0.09
7. 7
EFE Matrix-Threats
Threats
1. Specialization expertise of Jet Blue using one
plane model allows them to provide less
expensive mechanics to maintain planes.
0.09 4 0.36
2. Jet Blue is the only airline to carry satellite
televisions on planes.
0.04 1 0.04
3. Higher ticket taxes. 0.04 1 0.04
4. Increase in airport security due to possible
terrorism.
0.10 4 0.40
5. Many companies such as AirTran Airways are
offering a business class in their B717 jet.
0.05 1 0.05
6. Competing airlines offer satellite radio in their
passenger jets.
0.03 1 0.03
7. High cost of fuel leads to increase in ticket
prices.
0.10 3 0.30
8. Studies in 2000 report that obese passengers cost
airlines an extra $275 million in fuel costs.
0.03 1 0.03
9. Other airline companies offer in-flight meals
adding luxury.
0.03 3 0.09
10. SW competitors are flying newer and more
technologically advanced jets with luxury items.
0.06 1 0.06
TOTAL 1.00 2.02
8. 8
Ratios (12/07)
Growth Rates % Southwest Industry SP-500
Sales (Qtr vs year ago qtr) 9.50 14.50 8.30
Net Income (YTD vs YTD) 29.30 17.50 16.00
Net Income (Qtr vs year ago qtr) 96.50 28.20 6.60
Sales (5-Year Annual Avg.) 12.30 24.71 13.34
Net Income (5-Year Annual Avg.) 21.76 36.88 20.14
Dividends (5-Year Annual Avg.) 0.00 6.81 10.00
Price Ratios
Current P/E Ratio 15.2 18.0 21.9
P/E Ratio 5-Year High 62.9 70.0 22.3
P/E Ratio 5-Year Low 13.6 27.0 5.9
Price/Sales Ratio 0.95 1.39 2.38
Price/Book Value 1.36 2.36 3.39
Price/Cash Flow Ratio 7.80 9.80 10.60
9. 9
Ratios (12/07) Continued
Profit Margins
Gross Margin 26.1 28.5 33.8
Pre-Tax Margin 10.7 12.2 17.5
Net Profit Margin 6.5 9.7 12.4
5Yr Gross Margin (5-Year Avg.) 28.4 27.7 33.5
5Yr PreTax Margin (5-Year Avg.) 9.4 12.3 16.8
5Yr Net Profit Margin (5-Year Avg.) 5.9 9.7 11.7
Financial Condition
Debt/Equity Ratio 0.30 0.74 1.19
Current Ratio 0.9 1.2 0.9
Quick Ratio 0.9 1.2 0.7
Interest Coverage 31.6 44.7 43.3
Leverage Ratio 2.4 2.5 4.0
Book Value/Share 9.45 8.41 16.25
15. 15
IFE Matrix-Weaknesses
Weaknesses
1. SW has highest percentage of full-time employees
leading to increased overhead.
0.06 2 0.12
2. SW only flies one plane, the Boeing 737. 0.01 1 0.01
3. They will not fly outside the continental United States,
63 cities and 32 states.
0.10 1 0.10
4. Difficult to convince customers SW offers benefits other
airlines do not.
0.01 2 0.02
5. Flying only 737s could lead to negative press if
problems with that plane arise.
0.01 1 0.01
6. Does not accommodate for severely handicapped. 0.02 1 0.02
7. Large cities (Atlanta, Charlotte, etc) are without SW
service.
0.10 1 0.10
8. Does not provide a first class for passengers. 0.01 1 0.01
9. Do not provide assigned seating. 0.01 1 0.01
10. Only some 737s carry televisions. 0.01 2 0.02
11. SW does not offer any type of in-flight meals. 0.01 2 0.02
TOTAL 1.00 2.89
16. 16
SWOT Analysis-Strengths
1. SW has a larger market capital compared to others with $11.3 billion.
2. SW has all flights going to cities within the United States.
3. Use point-to-point flight system with no hubs one way.
4. Ability to determine cost/prices within the organization.
5. Leader in market capitalization.
6. Largest in US by the number of passengers carried yearly and 3rd in the
world.
7. One of the world’s most profitable and highest posted profits for 34
consecutive years.
8. In 2006 70 percent of flight bookings and 73 percent of revenue came from
bookings on Southwest’s website.
9. Low prices and relaxed atmosphere made it an icon.
10. First airline to have a webpage in 1995.
11. SW has 481 Boeing 737s jets.
12. Financially they purchase fuel options to hedge cost years in advance to
smooth market fluctuations.
17. 17
SWOT Analysis-Weaknesses
1. SW has highest percentage of full-time employees leading to increased
overhead.
2. SW only flies one plane, the Boeing 737.
3. They will not fly outside the continental United States, 63 cities and 32 states.
4. Difficult to convince customers SW offers benefits other airlines do not.
5. Flying only 737s could lead to negative press if problems with that plane
arise.
6. Does not accommodate for severely handicapped.
7. Large cities (Atlanta, Charlotte, etc) are without SW service.
8. Does not provide a first class for passengers.
9. Do not provide assigned seating.
10. Only some 737s carry televisions.
11. SW does not offer any type of in-flight meals.
18. 18
SWOT STRATEGIES-SO
1. Through increased advertising online SW can increase flight bookings (S8,
O5).
2. Using a point-to-point system SW can increase flights with business travelers
who need timely flights (S3, O9).
3. Use incentives to purchase flights using credit cards to increase profits (S7,
O6).
4. Less expensive flights, due to cutting fuel costs by $155M, leave market
capitalization available on areas where airline companies no longer fly due to
bankruptcy (S12, O4).
5. Cut ticket cost by $2.00, but add a charge of $2.00 to each extra bag (one
allowed) (S4, O10).
19. 19
SWOT STRATEGIES-WO
Hire more part time workers (W1, O11).
Add new technology to older planes in order to become up-to-
date and accommodate the handicapped (W6, O8).
With airline companies selling planes SW can purchase
models similar to the 737, which could lead to better press if a
problem with the 737 arises (W5, O2).
Offer in flight meals for those who meet appropriate
requirements based on points received from Visa card usage
(W11, O6).
Install televisions and satellite radio in planes for enhanced
customer service (W10, O7).
Provide higher quality and luxuries (first class) in some jets
for customers willing to pay extra (W8, O9).
20. 20
SWOT STRATEGIES-ST
1. Upgrade our fleet by adding 12 of the similar Boeing 717 jets in order to
accommodate to the travelers desiring the luxury of a business class. These
jets will be flown in the larger cities with more travel demand with an
approximate cost of $700 M.
2. Expand the rapid rewards program to offer one reward point for every three
purchases made on the Southwest website at least one month in advance. This
will help Southwest in the booking processes so that there will be less
complications and delays associated with last minute purchases.
3. In order to compete with the luxury airlines offering in flight meals,
Southwest will now offer in flight drinks (soda, water, juices, and limited
alcohol items) and small snack foods available to the passengers by cash or
charge.
4. Make all flights with in the 48 states point-to-point flights with strict time
lines given to the employees in order to alleviate delays. We predict this will
increase our percent of on-time flights from 83.96% to approximately 90.00%.
Then create a marketing program through television and magazines
advertising the new policies.
21. 21
SWOT STRATEGIES-WT
Using the code share with ATA airlines begin
offering flight to select areas outside the US
including (Cozumel Mexico, Select Canada
locations, Paris, London, etc.)
Shorten the flight life span of the B737’s in order
maintain planes that are consistently up to date
with technology. This will allow us to hedge any risk
of negative problems arising with the 737’s.
Maintaining new equipment allows us to easily
liquidate the assets when new items are needed to
be purchased.
Add new cities not flown to by Southwest such as
Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, and New York
22. 22
SPACE Matrix
6
5
4
3
2
1
-6 -5 -4 -3 -2 -1 1 2 3 4 5 6
-1
-2
-3
-4
-5
-6
FS
Conservative Aggressive
Defensive Competitive
IS
ES
CA
24. 24
Grand Strategy Matrix
Rapid Market Growth
Quadrant II Quadrant I
Strong
Competitive
Position
Slow Market Growth
Weak
Competitive
Position
Quadrant III Quadrant IV
25. 25
IE Matrix
The IFE Total Weighted Score
Strong Average Weak
3.0 to 4.0 2.0 to 2.99 1.0 to 1.99
High I II III
3.0 to 3.99
Medium IV V VI
The EFE Total
Weighted Score
2.0 to 2.99
Southwest
Low VII VIII IX
1.0 to 1.99
Hold and Maintain
26. 26
QSPM-STRENGTHS
Strategic Alternatives
Key Internal Factors Weight
Add 12 B17s to
Fleet
Shorten Life of
Current Planes in
Use
Strengths AS TAS AS TAS
3. SW has a larger market capital
compared to others with $11.3
billion.
0.04 2 0.08 3 0.12
4. SW has all flights going to cities
within the United States.
0.02 2 0.04 3 0.06
5. Use point-to-point flight system with
no hubs one way.
0.06 3 0.18 2 0.12
6. Ability to determine cost/prices
within the organization.
0.06 --- --- --- ---
7. Leader in market capitalization. 0.03 2 0.06 3 0.09
8. Largest in US by the number of
passengers carried yearly and 3rd in
the world.
0.02 3 0.06 2 0.04
9. One of the world’s most profitable
and highest posted profits for 34
consecutive years.
0.05 3 0.15 2 0.10
10. In 2006 70 percent of flight bookings
and 73 percent of revenue came from
bookings on Southwest’s website.
0.10 --- --- --- ---
11. Low prices and relaxed atmosphere
made it an icon.
0.01 --- --- --- ---
12. First airline to have a webpage in
1995.
0.01 --- --- --- ---
13. SW has 481 Boeing 737s jets. 0.10 2 0.20 3 0.30
14. Financially they purchase fuel
options to hedge cost years in
advance to smooth market
fluctuations.
0.15 --- --- --- ---
27. 27
QSPM-WEAKNESSESS
1. SW has highest percentage of full-time employees
leading to increased overhead.
0.06 --- --- --- ---
2. SW only flies one plane, the Boeing 737. 0.01 3 0.03 4 0.04
3. They will not fly outside the continental United
States, 63 cities and 32 states.
0.10 3 0.30 2 0.20
4. Difficult to convince customers SW offers benefits
other airlines do not.
0.01 2 0.02 3 0.03
5. Flying only 737s could lead to negative press if
problems with that plane arise.
0.01 4 0.04 3 0.03
6. Does not accommodate for severely handicapped. 0.02 2 0.04 3 0.06
7. Large cities (Atlanta, Charlotte, etc) are without
SW service.
0.10 2 0.20 1 0.10
8. Does not provide a first class for passengers. 0.01 4 0.04 2 0.02
9. Do not provide assigned seating. 0.01 3 0.03 1 0.01
10. Only some 737s carry televisions. 0.01 3 0.03 4 0.04
11. SW does not offer any type of in-flight meals. 0.01 --- --- --- ---
SUBTOTAL 1.00 1.50 1.36
28. 28
QSPM-OPPORTUNITIES
Key External Factors Weight
Add 12 B17s to
Fleet
Shorten Life of
Current Planes in
Use
Opportunities AS TAS AS TAS
1. There is an increased demand for international travel. 0.10 --- --- --- ---
2. There is a decline of 11 percent in airline companies
with funding leading to used planes being able to be
purchased.
0.01 4 0.04 1 0.01
3. Increased demand for cities that are currently without
SW airline flights (Atlanta, New York, etc.)
0.10 --- --- --- ---
4. Each year airline companies (Delta and Northwest in
2006) are declaring bankruptcy leaving more cities
existing allowing more airlines to fly to.
0.05 2 0.10 1 0.10
5. Increase popularity of internet leads to an expected
rise of 22 percent from 2006 in flights booked online.
0.03 --- --- --- ---
6. Increase popularity with Visa check card purchases
with reward points.
0.01 --- --- --- ---
7. With an increase of nearly 3 million people in the US
there is an expansion of developing cities across the
United States.
0.01
--- --- --- ---
8. Technology is increasing making older planes
outdated.
0.03 3 0.09 4 0.12
9. Increased amount of upper level business travelers
has led to greater demand for better seats.
0.01 4 0.04 2 0.02
10. Stock market has increased leading to more money
being spent on vacations or business affairs.
0.05 --- --- --- ---
11. Decline of 11 percent in airline companies with
funding leading to experienced workers being laid
off.
0.03 2 0.06 1 0.03
29. 29
QSPM-THREATS
Threats
1. Specialization expertise of Jet Blue using one plane
model allows them to provide less expensive
mechanics to maintain planes.
0.09 1 0.09 3 0.27
2. Jet Blue is the only airline to carry satellite
televisions on planes.
0.04 3 0.12 2 0.08
3. Higher ticket taxes. 0.04 --- --- --- ---
4. Increase in airport security due to possible terrorism. 0.10 --- --- --- ---
5. Many companies such as AirTran Airways are
offering a business class in their B717 jet.
0.05 4 0.20 1 0.05
6. Competing airlines offer satellite radio in their
passenger jets.
0.03 3 0.09 4 0.12
7. High cost of fuel leads to increase in ticket prices. 0.10 --- --- --- ---
8. Studies in 2000 report that obese passengers cost
airlines an extra $275 million in fuel costs.
0.03 --- --- --- ---
9. Other airline companies offer in-flight meals adding
luxury.
0.03 --- --- --- ---
10. SW competitors are flying newer and more
technologically advanced jets with luxury items.
0.06 3 0.18 4 0.24
SUBTOTAL 1.01 1.04
SUM TOTAL ATTRACTIVENESS SCORE 2.51 2.40
30. 30
RECOMMENDATIONS
The QSPM strategies assessed adding
12 new planes to the fleet or retiring
older planes. It is recommended
Southwest add 12 new planes at a total
cost of $500 million.
32. 32
Mission/Vision
Give SW Customers
the Freedom to Fly
Low Fares
Frequent Flights
Friendliest Service
in the Sky
33. 33
Strategy to Date
Low Cost, Low Fare
High Frequency
No Frills
Almost No Interlining
No Hubs, No International
Point-to-Point Short-Haul Service
Regional Service HQ in Texas
34. 34
Strategy Success to Date I
Net Income at $499.0 million in 2006
Passenger Revenues in 2006 at $9.086
Billion
Many years of top airline performance
re: on-time; complaints; and lost
luggage
33 consecutive years of profit through
2006
35. 35
Strategy Success to Date II
Diluted EPS of $.61 in 2006
Rivals Delta & United near Bankruptcy
Overall SW looks strong in 2007 despite
the aftermath of 9/11
Long Term Debt at $2.887 billion in
2006
36. 36
Internal Analysis: Strengths
Low Cost
Fast Turnaround
Work Force commitment and flexibility
Differentiation --not just low cost but
better service (on time, no lost
luggage,fewer complaints)
Leader in Re-engineering
Operational Simplicity
37. 37
Internal Analysis:
Weaknesses
Low Economies of Scale (small relative
to other majors, short routes)
No Hub System
No code sharing -- can sell only tickets
from its own offices
No Interlining
No International Routes
40. 40
External Analysis: Threats
Weak Demand
New Rail Service (Dallas to Houston)
Increased Competition -- if they lose
their Love Field Restrictions
Increased Regulation (noise)
Dependence on Domestic Markets
41. 41
External Analysis:
Porter’s 5 Forces
Entry of New Competitors: Unlikely
Substitute Products: High Speed Rail,
Video Conferencing
Competition Among Existing
Competitors: Strong
Power of Suppliers: In 2007, Weak for
Aircraft but Strong for Fuel Suppliers
Power of Customers: Strong
45. 45
How Can High Worker
Commitment and Productivity
be Sustained?
As Company Expands, New Workers
Will Be Needed with Company Culture
Transferred to them
Reward System with Bonuses and
Incentives but within Cost Controls
46. 46
Management Depth
Management will have to be extended
to support expansion
Kelleher, Kelly and Barrett are still the
top trio (see p. 242)
47. 47
Conclusion
Southwest is a Benchmark Competitor
--Setting Industry Standards
They have successfully expanded and
continued to innovate -- e.g., ticketless
travel, boarding pass download at home
or office prior to going to the airport,
friends fly free, use of underutilized
airports, etc.
48. 48
Recommendations
Continued Gradual Expansion
Maintain the characteristics that have
enabled their success:
Conservative Growth
Cost Containment
Commitment of Employees
…
…
...
49. 49
Update
2008 Results (from SW Website) operating
revenues at $11.023 Billion up 10% over
2007
Expansion continues with new service at San
Francisco, planned service to New York
Stock Price 2/9/09 = $7.18; 52 Week Range
$16.77 to $6.56
Hedging on Fuel was successful as Fuel
Prices rose but costly when they fell in late
2008.