Herb Kelleher, the man behind Southwest Airlines, is easily one of the most important figures in the history of the American aerospace industry. He is renowned worldwide as a pioneer in the airline industry, paving the way for low-cost airfare and efficient customer service. Mr. Kelleher is credited with transforming the airline industry into what it is today, making Southwest Airlines one of the most successful and influential airlines in the world. With his innovative ideas, passion for customer service, and extraordinary leadership, Herb Kelleher made an incredible impact on the airline industry.
Early Life
Herb Kelleher was born on March 12th, 1931 in the small town of Camden, New Jersey. He grew up in a traditional Catholic family, and early on had dreams of becoming a lawyer. At the age of 16, Kelleher attended Wesleyan College and graduated with a B.A., followed by an L.L.B. from the Dedham Law School. He practiced law, eventually founding the firm of Kelleher & Ragland, which would later become Kelleher, Ragland, and Embry.
Building the Brand
Kelleher’s major break came when he had the idea to start an airline in 1967. He then worked with Rollin “Bud” King, who at the time was serving on the Board of Directors for Texas International, to create the company, then known as “Air Southwest Co.” Through careful orchestration and persuasion, Kelleher and King were able to bring this project to fruition. In 1971, the company officially launched and called itself “Southwest Airlines Co.”
Kelleher’s VISION
Kelleher had a clear vision for Southwest Airlines, one that would revolutionize the airline industry. His vision was to create an airline that focused on providing customers with low fares, excellent service, and a fun on-board environment. One of his best ideas was to have a single aircraft type in the Southwest Airline fleet and keep their flights short. Another great idea was to eliminate unnecessary costs by using only one type of booking system and boarding process. These innovative ideas would prove to be extremely influential and set Southwest Airlines apart from its competitors.
Changing the Airline Industry
Before the rise of Southwest Airlines, the airline industry was far different. Major airlines were charging exorbitant prices for long-haul flights and were providing poor customer service. In essence, flying was a luxury for the privileged. With the advent of Southwest Airlines, Kelleher changed all of that with low fares and an emphasis on customer service.
Brand Culture
Herb Kelleher had a strong connection to the culture of Southwest Airlines. He created an environment that put the customer first, whether it was through the fares or the customer service. He also was a great leader, leading by example and motivating employees to take on new challenges. He also saw the importance of having fun at work and cultivating a fun environment that made people want to come to work. Kelleher knew that if employees were enjoying their job, then customers would also enjoy their experience.
Innovative Strategies
Out of the gate, Kelleher proved to be a great innovator. He eliminated unnecessary expenses and instead focused his energy on offering low fares and excellent service. He was also one of the first to understand the importance of branding, launching campaigns that focused on the customer experience. As a result, Southwest Airlines flourished and truly changed the airline industry.
Social Impact
Herb Kelleher is known for being an economist on the ground, thinking through his decisions carefully and focusing on ways to make airline travel more accessible and enjoyable. He has had a profound impact on the lives of many people, making air travel more affordable and efficient. He also created jobs and opportunities for thousands of people, making air travel a reality for more people around the world.
Intergenerational Legacy
Herbs’ legacy continues to this day as his ideas are embraced by the aviation industry as a whole. His innovative strategies, focus on customer service, and passion for the airline industry has inspired generations to follow in his footsteps. Kelleher has truly changed the way the world looks at travel, forever transforming the airline industry.
Herb Kelleher’s dedication to changing the airline industry and paving the way for low fares, excellent service, and an enjoyable onboard environment has made him a legendary figure in the world of aviation. Though he has since passed on, Kelleher will always be remembered for transforming the airline industry and making air travel accessible for all. His legacy will live on for generations to come, as his ideas continue to shape and influence the world of air travel.
