Originally published in 1995
Herb Kelleher-Founder, Chairman of the Board, President, and CEO of Southwest Airlines, was recently honored by the Texas Department of Transportation. Transportation Commission Member, Anne Wynne, presented Mr. Kelleher with TxDOT’s first ever Career Contribution To Aviation Award at the Thirteenth Annual Texas Airport Operators Conference in Austin. Wynne noted, “The recipient of this award is a man who has made a significant impact on aviation, not only in Texas, but nationwide as well. His approach to airline service has revolutionized the entire industry. No longer is the airline industry a matter of one airline competing against another. His company’s entry into the marketplace has resulted in airlines now competing against all other modes of transportation, including the personal automobile.” She further acknowledged that, “One of the most pleasing aspects of bestowing this award is the fact that the recipient had close ties with the TxDOT Aviation Division’s predecessor agency, the Texas Aeronautics Commission. In fact, he received his Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity from the Commission on November 6, 1970, enabling his company to begin air service.
Mr. Kelleher is the deserving recipient of numerous business and management awards. He is highly respected for his outstanding achievements in the aviation industry and greatly admired for his dynamic and inspirational leadership style. His contribution to aviation in Texas has been enormous, and is particularly evident through his commitment to the success of Southwest Airlines.