Southwest Airlines Co., commonly known as Southwest, is a leading player in the air transport services industry, headquartered in the United States. Founded in 1967, the airline has grown to become one of the largest low-cost carriers in the world, primarily serving major operational regions across North America.
Specialising in point-to-point transit, Southwest offers a unique business model that emphasises low fares, no-frills service, and a customer-friendly approach. The airline is renowned for its innovative policies, such as no baggage fees for the first two checked bags, which sets it apart from competitors.
With a strong market position, Southwest has consistently ranked high in customer satisfaction and operational efficiency, making it a preferred choice for travellers seeking reliable and affordable air travel.
+16 vs industry average
Southwest’s score of 33 is higher than 57% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Air Transport is among the most carbon-intensive industries
Industry performance
The Air Transport industry has reduced its overall emissions by 32% since 2019
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2027
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
Southwest's reported carbon emissions
Southwest Airlines is committed to reducing its environmental impact within the air transport services industry. The airline has set ambitious climate targets, aiming to reduce its carbon emissions intensity by 50% by 2035, with an interim goal of a 25% reduction by 2030, both compared to 2019 levels.
For the reporting year 2024, Southwest reported total global emissions of approximately 25.6 billion kg CO2e. This breaks down into Scope 1 emissions of about 21.1 billion kg CO2e, Scope 2 emissions (market-based) of approximately 16.7 million kg CO2e, and Scope 3 emissions totalling around 4.6 billion kg CO2e. Key contributors to Scope 3 emissions in 2024 included fuel and energy-related activities (approximately 4.5 billion kg CO2e) and purchased goods and services (approximately 996 million kg CO2e).
In 2023, total global emissions were approximately 24.9 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions accounting for about 20.7 billion kg CO2e and Scope 3 emissions totalling approximately 2.1 billion kg CO2e.
The company's 2022 reporting year showed total global emissions of around 22.3 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 1 emissions at approximately 18.5 billion kg CO2e and Scope 3 emissions at roughly 1.7 billion kg CO2e.
Emissions data for prior years, including 2021 (approximately 19.4 billion kg CO2e total), 2020 (approximately 14.8 billion kg CO2e total), 2019 (approximately 24.1 billion kg CO2e total), 2018 (approximately 24.4 billion kg CO2e total), 2017 (approximately 20.2 billion kg CO2e total), and 2016 (approximately 19.7 billion kg CO2e total), are also available. Between 2011 and 2015, total emissions ranged from approximately 13.9 billion kg CO2e to 18.8 billion kg CO2e. Historical data from 2012 and earlier primarily covers Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, with Scope 3 data not being consistently disclosed for those years.
Southwest Airlines' reported emissions are not cascaded from a parent organisation.
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Southwest’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
3 goals2035
50% reduction in all scopes
Reduce our carbon emissions intensity 50% by 2035 with an interim goal of 25% by 2030, both as compared with 2019¹
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
7 of 15 categories disclosedSee all scope 3 categories
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Climate initiatives
Science Based Targets Initiative
Carbon Disclosure Project
The Climate Pledge
UN Global Compact Climate Champions initiative
RE 100
Climate Action 100
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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Southwest
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