As we celebrate our 38th Anniversary this week, I got to wondering about what defines an airline as a "business travel" airline? First class service? Assigned seats? International destinations? Certainly these amenities make business travel convenient, but according to the survey respondents for the 2009 American Brand Excellence study, a "business travel" airline is one that focuses on Customer  Service, value, has solid  Leadership, product differentiation, ethics, relevance and momentum. For 2009, one company met all these criteria, and not only was named the top airline for small & medium business (SMB) travel, but the top overall brand for SMB's; that company was Southwest Airlines!
 
While the award we received is addressed to Southwest Airlines, it is more appropriate to address congratulations to the People of Southwest Airlines. The 35,000+ men and women of Southwest Airlines make it their mission to serve every Customer with Positively Outrageous Services on each of our 3,300+ daily flights. Because of our People and the service that they are committed to providing, they have made Southwest Airlines #1 with SMB's around the country. Additionally a big thanks should be given to our Customers. Without our great  Customers, our People would have no one to serve. Your loyalty and 38 years of support has helped us become the largest domestic carrier and the #1 overall travel company and brand for small and mid-size businesses.