Southwest Cargo Straight Talk

SWA Cargo 2025 Tells It Like It Is

     If there is one thing that has been a constant at Southwest Airlines (SWA) Cargo or elsewhere it’s fielding top executives that tell it like it is.
     The interview tradition we have noticed over the years at SWA is to have simple straight forward answers to our questions, delivered without uncertainty, whilst these pronouncements are chock ‘o block with determination and hope.
     Air cargo media learned and appreciated straight from the shoulder, right from the heart dialogue from Wally Devereaux, who served as top cargo boss at SWA almost forever, an amazing 23 years at the carrier before retiring earlier this year.
     Positioning that culture, when you think about it, goes back to roots of course, that must include airline founder the great late Herb Kelleher.
     Plain-spoken and right to the point,  you never had to wonder what was on dear Herb’s mind.
     Once during an interview about air cargo Ol’ Herb rolled up his sleeve and revealed with a smile an SWA Cargo Tatoo on his arm.
     Talk about a message guy in words and pictures!
     Now here is Brian Kilburn, SWA head of cargo who, minus “the tats.’ opens the conversation during our brief encounter this week declaring outright:
     “I have been drinking from the fire hose since I moved into this position in April!
     “And while I am loving every second, there is so much to do!”
     Ah, the feeling of fresh air in the room, we are thinking.
     “Was not in Miami Last week,” Brian says,” however members of our Cargo Team were in attendance with bells on because we are all wound-up and ready to go!
      “Southwest Cargo today lives the culture, with an incredible team in place of people, that has not, and am hopeful, will never change,” Brian said.
     “We deliver an extremely reliable product while extending the hospitality, personal relationships, and pride that our customers know and luv.
     “And our network, tail-to-tail connection processes, and attractive drop/recovery times makes shipping with us better than ever,” Brian declared.
     “We intend to grow, and are excited about our roadmap that is unfolding for 2026 and beyond.
     “Southwest Airlines is going through major improvements and investing in our business.
     “A great example is the implementation of bag fees, a hope that, that move will impact air cargo.
     “With that change – as an airline we have seen an expected reduction in the number of checked bags.
     “That is pure opportunity for Cargo (space/weight in the bins), and we want our shipping partners to know that we are on the program to utilize upgraded cargo capacity aboard all of our flights.
     “After taking reins for air cargo in April what struck me most then – and even now – is how tight-knit goes the SWA Cargo family.
     “As example the tenure of our Cargo Employees is incredible.
     “Their professionalism is off the charts.
     “Our people love Cargo, and love each other”, Brian smiled.
     “SWA team members come here to work and stay.
     “They all know each other, their families, their likes and dislikes . . . it is an incredible culture and it is tangible.
     “I am so thankful to be a part of it.
     “As we went through organizational changes in the spring and I moved into cargo, I am also leading the Provisioning and Ground Support Equipment teams at SWA.
     “All three teams have similarities, and all are also very unique, whilst undergoing significant change.
     “Getting it right and implementing fresh tested strategies and laying out future plans are my focus now.
     “What has been surprising in a climate of change is the passion and excitement around unfolding opportunities.
     “The teams are not fearful – they are dedicated and ready for what’s new and for what’s next.
     “It is an exciting environment with energy amd focus.
     “Our future is very much in the air cargo business and to that end we are laser focused on opportunities to provide solid value to our customers, which will include new capabilities.
     “Stay tuned—all us at SWA Cargo believe the best is yet to come,” Brian Kilburn promises.
 Geoffrey Arend