Herb Kelleher (1931 – 2019)

 Rationale for Inclusion       

• Founder of Southwest Airlines and Low-Cost Carrier Model: Herb Kelleher co-founded Southwest Airlines in 1967 with the vision of making air travel affordable and accessible to more people. Southwest’s success introduced the low-cost carrier model, which focused on cost efficiency, low fares, and high-frequency short-haul routes. This model transformed the airline industry by creating affordable travel options for millions of passengers and sparked the rise of low-cost carriers worldwide, fundamentally changing the structure of commercial aviation.
• Innovative Customer Service and Company Culture: Kelleher fostered a unique, people-focused company culture at Southwest Airlines, emphasizing employee satisfaction as a priority. He famously said, “Your employees come first. And if you treat employees right, they treat your customers right.” Under his leadership, Southwest became known for its friendly, fun, and highly motivated workforce, creating a distinctive passenger experience that made loyal customers out of millions. Kelleher’s focus on customer service and employee empowerment has influenced airlines globally, inspiring a new approach to corporate culture in aviation.
• Champion of Operational Efficiency and Cost Management: Kelleher’s strategies to improve efficiency were critical to Southwest’s success. Southwest streamlined its operations by using a single aircraft type (Boeing 737), offering point-to-point routes rather than a hub-and-spoke model, and implementing quick turnaround times. These methods allowed the airline to reduce costs, increase reliability, and maintain low fares. Kelleher’s operational efficiency set a standard for low-cost airlines and demonstrated how effective cost management could lead to high profitability and growth.
• Defender of Deregulation and Industry Change: Kelleher was a staunch advocate of airline deregulation, believing it would lead to more competition and benefits for consumers. His success with Southwest Airlines became a prime example of the benefits of deregulation, proving that a low-cost carrier could thrive in a competitive market. Kelleher’s influence helped validate the deregulated airline model and underscored the positive effects of competition, such as lower fares and more choice for travelers.
• Legendary and Charismatic Leadership Style: Herb Kelleher was widely known for his charismatic and down-to-earth leadership style. He led Southwest with humor, humility, and a genuine passion for people, becoming a beloved figure within the company and in the industry. Kelleher’s leadership style was unconventional, but it proved highly effective, making Southwest a model for employee loyalty and strong company morale.