Dallas-based Southwest Airlines announced Monday that it's laying off 15% of its corporate employees. About 1,750 employees will be affected, according to a release from the airline. Eligible employees will continue to receive salary and benefits until April. They'll also receive severance pay and help to find new jobs.

Southwest also has embarked on a three-year plan to evolve its offerings, including introducing assigned seating—another first for the carrier—and the creation of an extended legroom product, both of which are designed to bolster the carrier’s revenue.

Amid flight reductions, Southwest executives say the carrier remains committed to Denver hub for the long-haul.

Southwest Airlines just made a major announcement that’s leaving a lot of employees scrambling. According to Kere News, The Dallas-based airline is laying off 15% of its corporate workforce, affecting about 1,750 employees—ouch.

Southwest had the equivalent of 72,450 full-time employees at the end of 2023. With cuts focused on corporate workers, the layoffs are sure to be felt in Dallas, which is home to the company's headquarters at Love Field.

Southwest Airlines' first company-wide layoffs in its nearly 54-year history are aimed at shoring up profits, but they run the risk of undermining a company culture of putting employees first that made it stand out from rivals and cultivated a loyal fan base.

The reduction also includes leadership positions, Southwest said, adding it would eliminate 11 senior leadership roles — which represents 15% of the company's senior management committee.

Days after Southwest announced its first layoffs in company history, a C-suite executive who has been with the company for over two decades stepped down. Aviation experts weigh in on the future of the airline after passengers and employees are left wondering.