DALLAS — In a groundbreaking announcement, Southwest Airlines revealed it will be laying off hundreds of employees at its Dallas headquarters for the very first time in its 53-year journey.

On Monday, the airline disclosed plans to terminate 1,750 jobs at its Love Field headquarters in Dallas. This reduction accounts for approximately 15% of the airline’s corporate workforce, including the elimination of 11 senior leadership roles due to organizational “restructuring.”

This significant announcement comes as Southwest Airlines undergoes various transformations. The airline is currently experiencing a shakeup in its board and is actively working to curtail expenses. Additionally, the airline has announced major updates to its services, including eliminating open seating and introducing redeye flights.

“No one at headquarters will be sleeping easy tonight, if they sleep at all,” aviation expert Steve Cosgrove shared with WFAA, noting he spent the evening speaking with friends and colleagues within the airline.

“They were instructed to leave headquarters by 6 p.m.,” he recounted. “They’ll come back in the morning for updates on their employment status.”

A former spokesperson for Southwest and aviation consultant Ed Stewart reflected on how the airline has historically taken pride in its commitment to avoid layoffs.

“For over five decades, that was our hallmark… prioritizing our people was everything to us,” he stated. “This turn of events is truly shocking for the industry.”

According to Southwest, this initiative is anticipated to save the airline approximately $300 million each year. Will Anderson, Editor in Chief of the Dallas Business Journal, cautioned that this might just be the beginning of major changes for the airline.

“CEO Bob Jordan has indicated a desire to achieve annual savings of around $500 million,” he noted. “This step gets us part of the way there, but more adjustments may be needed.”

“This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year journey, and change requires us to make tough choices. We stand at a crucial juncture as we work to reshape Southwest Airlines into a more streamlined, efficient, and versatile company,” stated Bob Jordan, President, CEO, and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. “I arrived at this conclusion after careful consideration, fully aware of how difficult it will be to part ways with colleagues who have significantly contributed to our Southwest culture and achievements. I am thankful to all Southwest Employees who have been part of our remarkable history, and those who will lead us into the next chapter of our journey.”