Southwest CEO Bob Jordan explained in the company’s initial-quarter earnings simply call Thursday that in August it would cease company at airports in Cozumel, Mexico Bellingham, Wash. Syracuse, N.Y. and Houston, Tex. It also reported it would decrease flights at big hubs these kinds of as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Global Airport and Chicago O’Hare Intercontinental Airport. 

“While it is in no way our want to exit a city or shrink service to a market, we are dedicated to our financial performance aims, and network and capacity steps will continue as a lever to enhance general monetary functionality,” Jordan claimed on the connect with. 

Southwest shares closed down 7% on Thursday right after the carrier reported a $231 million decline, deepening from a $159 million loss in the course of the exact period of time a 12 months prior. The stock dipped an additional .8% on Friday to finish at $27.03.

The carrier also mentioned its bold development designs had been on maintain mainly because of Boeing’s delivery delays and now expects to obtain 20 planes this 12 months, instead of the 46 it expected in March. 

In addition to retreating from some airports, Southwest claimed it has frozen selecting, with the exception of a number of essential positions, and would supply some of its staff members unpaid go away afterwards this 12 months to reduce back again on charges. The carrier stated it expects its workforce to shrink by about 2,000 personnel by the finish of the calendar year when in contrast to 2023.

Not only is the corporation chopping expenditures, it is also checking out new earnings streams, even if that suggests modifying some of its extended-held methods. This involves re-assessing its open-seating system, where by clients can select whichever seats they like as they board.

The carrier’s rivals have steadily moved to extend tiered seating beyond just mentor and initially class, ensuing in big earnings inflows. Southwest hasn’t benefited from this trend for the reason that of its determination to obtaining a solitary cabin.

But the business is now examining irrespective of whether to make changes to better accommodate its customers’ preferences without the need of straying from its manufacturer ideals, stated Jordan.

“[E]arly indications, both equally for our consumers and for Southwest, search really darn exciting. So I’ll just depart it there and additional to abide by,” he stated.

Still, some factors, like a curtain involving initial course and coach, wouldn’t truly feel appropriate, additional Southwest Chief Commercial Officer Ryan Eco-friendly. Bag service fees, which are prevalent on other airlines, are not on the table either.

“We will remain true no issue what we do to the brand and who we are and how we approach buyers,” Green mentioned.