Southwest Airlines Co. is expanding its flight operations leadership in preparation for increased flying starting this summer.
The Dallas-based airline said Thursday that it has named Captain Craig Drew vice president of flight operations effective June 2.
He will replace Captain Chuck Magill, who has been in that role for seven years. Magill will fill the newly created position of vice president of operational coordination.
It’s a sign of a growing airline, said Southwest spokeswoman Jenna Williamson. Southwest, which operates out of Dallas Love Field, will start flying internationally on July 1 and will add 15 U.S. destinations starting this fall.
“There are a lot of changes in the operations in the last couple of years,” she said. “Magill will work directly with employees to submit feedback and try to do a better job than what we’re doing now.”
Southwest’s flight operations include 8,300 employees, a flight training center and 10 pilot bases nationwide.
Follow Sheryl Jean on Twitter at @SJeanDallas.
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