Dec 12 (Reuters) – Southwest Airlines said on Friday it would open a crew base at Austin-Bergstrom ‍International Airport in March 2026, creating more than 2,000 jobs as the carrier looks to expand its footprint in fast-growing central Texas.

Most of the ‌new Austin base staff ‌will include captains, first officers and flight attendants, supported by leadership and administrative teams, the airline said.

Southwest also plans to add a recurring training facility for flight attendants as part ‍of its broader business transformation.

The carrier expects the Austin base to open in early ‍March with about 335 pilots and 650 flight attendants, growing to roughly 2,000 employees by mid-2027.

The airline said the decision followed months ‍of planning and talks with Austin city officials and Te

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