Southwest Air Seen Sticking by CEO, Business Model After Crisis

Southwest Airlines Co. says it’s sparing nothing in an operations review after a Christmastime meltdown stranded tens of thousands of passengers. But that’s not likely to include junking its network or losing its top executive.

Chief Executive Officer Bob Jordan is pledging that no aspect will escape scrutiny, including the airline’s unique point-to-point route network that can limit the flexibility of its planes and crew deployment during disruptions. Jordan, who took the top job less than a year ago, told employees that he considers himself accountable for the meltdown and that Southwest may need to make adjustments to its network. ...