Southwest Airlines announced Friday it will establish a new crew base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in March 2026, bringing more than 2,000 jobs to central Texas as the carrier expands operations in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas, according to Reuters.

The Austin crew base will be staffed primarily by captains, first officers, and flight attendants, along with leadership and administrative support teams. The facility will also house a recurring training center for flight attendants, reflecting the airline’s broader business transformation strategy.

Operations are scheduled to begin in early March 2026 with an initial workforce of approximately 335 pilots and 650 flight attendants. Southwest expects the base to expand significantly over the following year, reaching roughly 2,000 total employees by mid-2027.

The decision to establish the Austin crew base came after months of planning and negotiations with Austin city officials and Texas economic development leaders. Southwest cited the move as a strategic investment aimed at strengthening the airline’s long-term growth prospects and improving operational efficiency across its Texas operations.

The carrier serves multiple Texas cities and has maintained a significant presence in the state since its founding in Dallas in 1967. The new Austin base represents a major commitment to the region as central Texas continues to experience rapid population and economic growth.

To support the hiring and training process, Southwest said it will partner with local workforce development programs and collaborate with Austin-Bergstrom International Airport’s career center. These partnerships are designed to streamline recruitment efforts and prepare new employees for roles at the facility.