DALLAS, March 31, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines® is celebrating being named one of the top air cargo carriers in the world according to Air Cargo World magazine. The publication recently announced the carrier won its highly-coveted Air Cargo Excellence "ACE" Diamond Award in the "up to 399,999 tonnes" category. Southwest Cargo® earned the award based on its Legendary Customer Service, performance, value, and use of technology.

"This award is really about our Employees and Customers," said Matt Buckley, Vice President of Cargo & Charters. "Without our Employees' dedication to operational excellence, we would not have the opportunity to be recognized for our hard work and outstanding performance from our Customers."

This is the 11(th) year for the Air Cargo Excellence Survey, of which Southwest has been awarded the Diamond or Platinum Award in its respective category for the sixth consecutive time.

"The Air Cargo Excellence Awards are unlike any other industry award in that they are determined by an impartial survey, which means these awards really celebrate the best in the industry," said J.J. Hornblass, Publisher of Air Cargo World. "We offer our hearty congratulations to all the 2015 winners, including repeat-winner Southwest Cargo."

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CARGO

Southwest Airlines' Relentlessly Reliable Employees offer Cargo Customers award winning expedited air cargo service to destinations across the map, including complimentary Road Feeder Service and interline destinations. With our extensive domestic network and over 3,400 flights a day, we have the flights you need to meet your shipping requirements. Learn more about how Southwest Cargo can help you with your shipping needs by visiting swacargo.com.

ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.

In its 44th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 46,000 Employees to more than 100 million Customers annually. Southwest operates more than 3,400 flights a day, serving 94 destinations across the United States and six additional countries. Southwest service to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, begins in June 2015; and subject to government approvals, service to Belize City, Belize begins in October 2015.

Based on the U.S. Department of Transportation's most recent data, Southwest Airlines is the nation's largest domestic carrier in terms of originating passengers boarded. The Company operates the largest fleet of Boeing aircraft in the world, the majority of which are equipped with satellite-based WiFi providing gate-to-gate connectivity while over the United States. That connectivity enables Customers to use their personal devices to access streaming music provided by Beats Music or to view video on-demand movies and television shows, as well as nearly 20 channels of free, live TV compliments of our valued Partners. Southwest is the only major U.S. airline to offer bags fly free® (first and second checked pieces of luggage, size and weight limits apply), and there are never reservation change fees, although fare differences might apply. In 2014, the airline proudly unveiled a bold new look: Heart. The new aircraft livery, airport experience, and logo, showcase the dedication of Southwest Employees to connect Customers with what's important in their lives.

From its first flights on June 18, 1971, Southwest Airlines launched an era of unprecedented affordability in air travel described by the U.S. Department of Transportation as "The Southwest Effect," a lowering of fares and increase in passenger traffic whenever the carrier enters new markets. With 42 consecutive years of profitability, Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world, known for a triple bottom line approach that contributes to the carrier's performance and productivity, the importance of its People and the communities they serve, and an overall commitment to efficiency and the planet. The 2013 Southwest Airlines One Report(TM) can be found at Southwest.com/citizenship.

Book Southwest Airlines' low fares online at Southwest.com or by phone at 800-I-FLY-SWA.

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SOURCE Southwest Airlines