| Washington, DC � February 10, 2009 - The U.S. Travel Association today
announced that Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) Founder and Chairman Emeritus
Herbert D. Kelleher will receive the Second Annual Steve Fossett Innovation
Award at TravelCom�09, the association�s eCommerce and distribution conference
to be held March 31 � April 2 in Atlanta, GA.
�Herb Kelleher is one of our industry�s greatest leaders and true pioneers. His ingenuity, competitive spirit and drive for excellence have not only challenged his aviation peers to strive for higher standards, but he has blazed a new path for everyone in the travel business,� said Roger Dow, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association. On April 1st, Kelleher will receive the Steve Fossett Award, which recognizes a worldwide travel industry leader who has broken new ground, pushed boundaries and revolutionized the industry, leaving a legacy of long-lasting change. Last year�s recipient was Richard Branson, Founder and Chairman of the Virgin Group of Companies. Southwest Airlines started in 1971 with three airplanes. Today, it operates with a fleet of more than 537 airplanes and performs over 3,200 flights a day. Under Kelleher�s leadership, the airline posted profits for 36 consecutive years and delivered record returns to its shareholders, the highest of any company included in the S&P 500 from 1972-2002. Other senior executives speaking at TravelCom�09 include:
.  The U.S. Travel Association is the national, non-profit organization representing all components of the $740 billion travel industry. U.S. Travel�s mission is to promote and facilitate increased travel to and within the United States. For more information, visit www.ustravel.org. |