Airlines Strategy
Southwest Airlines to Open New Austin Crew Base Creating 2,000 Jobs
Southwest Airlines plans a new crew base at Austin Airport by 2026, adding 2,000 jobs and enhancing operations with local training and support centers.
Southwest Airlines has officially announced plans to open a new crew base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) in March 2026. As reported by Reuters, this strategic expansion is expected to create approximately 2,000 jobs for pilots and flight attendants by mid-2027, solidifying the carrier’s dominance in the Central Texas market.
The move comes as part of a broader “business transformation” for the Dallas-based airline, which includes a historic shift to assigned seating and premium cabin options. According to the announcement, the new base will serve as a critical operational hub, supporting the workforce training and logistics required for these service changes.
The new crew base is scheduled to open in March 2026. Initial staffing levels are projected to include approximately 335 pilots and 650 flight attendants. By mid-2027, Southwest expects the facility to reach full capacity with nearly 2,000 employees, including support staff.
According to data released alongside the announcement, the average salary for these positions will be approximately $180,000. The expansion also includes the construction of a new Command Center and a recurring training facility for flight attendants, which aims to bolster operational reliability.
Establishing a local crew base allows Southwest to eliminate the need to “deadhead”, or fly crew members as passengers, from other bases like Dallas or Houston to staff flights originating in Austin. Industry analysis suggests this change will directly improve on-time performance and reduce operational overhead.
The expansion is supported by a substantial package of economic incentives from both state and local governments, contingent upon job creation targets. As detailed in the official reports surrounding the deal, the State of Texas will provide a $14 million grant from the Texas Enterprise Fund, along with a $375,000 Veteran Created Job Bonus.
The City of Austin has approved an incentive package valued at up to $5.5 million over five years. This performance-based grant offers $2,750 per Austin-based hire who resides within city limits. In a move to support the local community, Southwest has committed to donating 10% of its city incentive award to the Childcare Assistance Reserve Fund.
Projections indicate the project will generate significant economic returns for the region: “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.”
, Bob Jordan, CEO, Southwest Airlines
This expansion serves as a defensive measure against increasing competition. Southwest currently holds a market share of approximately 40% at AUS, but competitors like Delta Air Lines have been aggressively expanding their footprint in the region. By locking in its status as a key tenant now, Southwest positions itself favorably for the airport’s future Concourse B expansion, slated for the early 2030s.
We view this move as a necessary evolution for Southwest rather than a simple expansion. As the airline transitions away from its 50-year open-seating model to compete with legacy carriers, operational precision becomes paramount. A local crew base reduces the logistical friction of “deadheading” crews, which is essential for maintaining the high-frequency schedule required to fend off Delta’s premium push in Austin. While the fixed costs are high, the long-term control over the Central Texas market makes this a vital capital allocation.
When will the new crew base open? How many jobs will be created? What is the average salary for these new positions? Why is Southwest doing this now?
Southwest Airlines to Establish New Crew Base in Austin, Adding 2,000 Jobs
Operational Expansion and Job Creation
Improving Efficiency
Economic Incentives and Impact
Strategic Context: The Battle for Austin
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The base is scheduled to officially open in March 2026.
The project is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs by mid-2027.
Reports indicate the average salary for the pilots and flight attendants based in Austin will be approximately $180,000.
The move aligns with the airline’s shift to assigned seating and serves to protect its market share in Austin against growing competition from other major carriers.
Sources
Photo Credit: Southwest Airlines