Southwest Airlines Mourns Founder and Chairman Emeritus Herbert D. Kelleher

In a message released from Southwest Airlines, the company said that they are deeply saddened to share that Southwest Airlines Founder and Chairman Emeritus Herbert D. Kelleher passed away recently at the age of 87.

It went on to say that Kelleher was a pioneer, a maverick, and an innovator and his vision revolutionized commercial aviation and democratized the skies. His passion, zest for life, and insatiable investment in relationships made lasting and immeasurable impressions on all who knew him and will forever be the bedrock and esprit de corps of Southwest Airlines.

The message shared that the entire Southwest Family extends their deepest sympathies to Herb’s wife, Joan, and his entire family.

A special page on The Southwest Airlines Community honors their Founder and Friend.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.