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The Global Insight

What type of organizational structure does Southwest Airlines have?

Author

James Olson

Updated on March 07, 2026

U-form organizational structure
Southwest Airlines has a U-form organizational structure. The unitary or U-form structure is also known as the functional form because of the use of business function as basis for grouping resources and activities, such as finance and airline marketing in this case.

What type of organizational structure does an airline have?

Most airline companies use a pyramid-shaped, functional organizational structure with a rigid hierarchy.

What is Southwest Airlines leadership style?

Managers who embody the servant leadership style spend much of their time tending to the best interests of their employees. By focusing on the needs of others, they establish authority and likeability because they create positive change in the lives of those around them.

What is southwest strategy?

Southwest Airlines’ business model is based on extremely efficient operations, low-cost pricing, and innovative logistics solutions. Furthermore, their strategy also includes a deep focus on customer experience and looking ahead. Finally, none of this would be possible without a motivated team of employees.

What kind of organizational structure does Southwest Airlines have?

Southwest’s Organizational Structure Type and Characteristics Southwest Airlines has a U-form organizational structure. The unitary or U-form structure is also known as the functional form because of the use of business function as basis for grouping resources and activities, such as finance and airline marketing in this case.

What is the organizational structure of an airline?

What are the main features of Southwest Airlines?

The following are the main features of Southwest’s corporate structure: Groups Based On Business Functions. In its U-form corporate structure, Southwest Airlines groups business activities and resources according to business functions.

How big is the customer base of Southwest Airlines?

In its 50th year of service, Dallas-based Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) continues to differentiate itself from other air carriers with exemplary Customer Service delivered by more than 56,000 Employees to a Customer base that topped 130 million passengers in 2019.