Investment firm takes $1.9 billion stake in Southwest Airlines and wants to oust the CEO

A Southwest Airlines jetliner waits on a runway for departure from Denver International Airport on Friday, Sept. 1, 2023, in Denver. Activist shareholder Elliott Investment Management has taken a $1.9 billion stake in Southwest Airlines. The investment firm said Monday, …DALLAS —

The firm said Southwest failed to evolve, hurting its ability to compete with other carriers. Elliot blamed the Dallas-based carrier’s massive flight cancellations in December 2022 on what it described as the airline’s outdated software and operational processes. Elliott is calling for executives from outside the company to replace Jordan and Kelly, and for “significant” changes on the board, including new independent directors with experience at other airlines.

Savanthi Syth, an airline analyst for Raymond James Financial, said Elliott was likely attracted by Southwest’s well-known brand, leading position at many airports and strong balance sheet, among other attributes. She suggested that necessary changes shouldn’t be that hard to achieve.

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