SWA Acquires Gates in LGA, Closes JAN, EYW

SWA has acquired 12 takeoff and landing slots (for six roundtrip flights) at LGA being divested by AA as part of its merger with US. In addition, Southwest gained permanent control of 10 takeoff and landing slots (for five roundtrip flights) that it currently operates under a lease from AA. Details of the transactions are confidential. Southwest plans to begin its new service at LGA in May 2014. Details of the new service will be available later this month. Southwest and its subsidiary AirTran Airways currently operate 27 daily roundtrip flights to and from LGA to eight nonstop destinations. The acquired slots will allow the airlines to add six daily roundtrips.
Southwest currently serves EWR LGA and Long Island MacArthur Airport. These six additional roundtrips at LGA will strengthen Southwest’s service to and from the New York City area.

In other news, Southwest Airlines announced its decision to close three cities in the airline’s network. On June 7, 2014, Southwest will cease operations at BKG, EYW and JAN:(. Southwest began service to JAN in 1997.