Southwest Airlines will open a new pilot and flight attendant crew base in Austin, Texas, according to an announcement made by Governor Greg Abbott, Southwest Airlines, and Austin Mayor Kirk Watson at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The project is expected to create 2,000 jobs in Austin by mid-2027. The airline has received a $14 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) and a $375,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.
“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. We are proud to partner with everybody connected with Southwest as well as the City of Austin on such a huge announcement for our state.”
The new facility will include pilots, flight attendants, managerial staff, and support personnel to assist with operations across Southwest’s network. The average salary at the new crew base will be $180,000 per year. Plans also include building a station Command Center and a training facility for ongoing safety and regulatory instruction.
Governor Abbott was joined by Bob Jordan, President and CEO of Southwest Airlines; T.C. Broadnax, Austin City Manager; Ghizlane Badawi, AUS CEO; as well as other officials during the announcement.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to Austin and to our customers,” said Bob 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 said: “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. 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.”
Senator Judith Zaffirini commented: “Congratulations to Southwest Airlines on receiving a $14 million Texas Enterprise Fund (TEF) grant and for selecting Austin and Senate District 21 as the site of its new pilot and flight attendant crew base. This exciting investment underscores the company’s commitment to our state and will generate thousands of good-paying jobs in this area. What’s more, this milestone reflects Texas’ leadership in aviation, economic development, and workforce training. We look forward to the opportunities this expansion will offer Texans, especially our veterans, and to the continued success of this iconic Texas-based company.”
Representative Lulu Flores added: “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.”
Ed Latson, CEO of Opportunity Austin stated: “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. Southwest choosing to deepen its partnership is a clear reflection of the commitment to our economy.”
Southwest Airlines has been headquartered in Texas since its incorporation in 1967. The airline operates over 4,000 flights daily during peak periods with more than 140 million customers flown in 2024.
The TEF grant supports businesses considering expansion or relocation projects where one location is competing against out-of-state sites for significant capital investment or job creation.
