Southwest Airlines Co. is eyeing Charlotte as a potential hub for expanding its business travel clientele, especially as companies increasingly bring employees from various cities for meetings.
Traditionally known for its focus on leisure travel, Southwest has been making strides in attracting business travelers, a segment it refers to as “direct-to-consumer” in its industry jargon.
This strategic move presents an interesting dynamic at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub where American Airlines Group Inc., based in Texas, dominates with 90% of passenger traffic.
During a recent visit to Charlotte, David Harvey, Southwest’s Chief Sales Officer, along with his team, engaged with corporate clients and hosted them for a luncheon in uptown Charlotte, where they exchanged insights and recommendations.
While Harvey didn’t disclose specific client names, he indicated that the clientele in Charlotte comprised typical sectors such as financial services firms and prominent law firms. These clients either have their headquarters in Charlotte or have key decision-makers overseeing travel programs residing in the area.
