Tom Doxey on Southwest’s Big Bets for a Smoother, Roomier Future

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Southwest Airlines, Tom Doxey keeps the financial engines running while helping steer key strategic moves that shape the future of affordable and enjoyable air travel. His leadership spans tech investments, network growth, and operational excellence.

As airlines search for their post-pandemic identity, Doxey is focused on a future where digital ease, reliable operations, and comfort enhancements support Southwest’s signature hospitality and value.

Tom joins Skift Aviation Forum to share how Southwest plans to stay at the front of the pack and keep flyers smiling at 35,000 feet.

How is your airline or aviation business thinking about innovation to improve passenger experience?

“At Southwest, we’re working to meet our Customers where they are with meaningful investments in their experience, and doing it the Southwest Way. We’re launching assigned and premium seating in January, we’ve added five new destinations to our network, we launched free Wi-Fi thanks to T-Mobile, plus much, much more. We’re in a great position to continue serving our Customers with the hospitality we’re known for.”

How are you balancing growth and operational efficiency in a changing travel landscape?

“It’s a lot easier for leaders to make decisions like we have, knowing our Employees are capable and willing to take on the challenge. With new tools geared toward efficiency within our operation, we’re continuing to stay near the top of the industry in reliability.”

What’s one initiative or approach you’re most proud of that has positively impacted your passengers or business?

“Our People have put in tremendous work to prepare us to launch assigned and premium seating in January and we’re so excited to approach that milestone as a Company. It’s going to be a true gamechanger for Southwest in many ways. We’ve already seen great feedback from Customers who have experienced our extra legroom seating and we can’t wait for it to be fleetwide.”

Join Us at Skift Aviation Forum

Catch Tom Doxey on stage to hear how Southwest will elevate comfort, boost reliability, and fly confidently into the industry’s next era. 

Secure your seat at Skift Aviation Forum and be part of the conversations shaping aviation’s future.