Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines has announced the rapid deployment of SpaceX's Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi service across its fleet, marking its entry into the competitive in-flight connectivity market [1] Group 1: Company Developments - Southwest Airlines plans to equip over 300 aircraft with Starlink service by the end of this year, with the first flight expected to operate this summer [1] - This move comes after pressure from activist investor Elliot Investment Management, which has become one of Southwest Airlines' largest shareholders [1] - The airline has begun charging for checked baggage and introduced assigned seating, moving away from its previous differentiators compared to competitors like Delta Airlines and American Airlines [1] Group 2: Industry Trends - The in-flight Wi-Fi market is experiencing rapid growth, with SpaceX quickly gaining market share among major airlines, including Air France, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines [1] - Traditional in-flight Wi-Fi services have been criticized for unstable signals and poor experiences, while Starlink offers faster and more reliable connectivity due to its use of thousands of low Earth orbit satellites [1] - The growth of Starlink is contributing to the increasing valuation of SpaceX, which has also acquired Elon Musk's xAI to create a space data center, aiming for an IPO this year [1]

Core Insights - Southwest Airlines is enhancing inflight connectivity by integrating Starlink's ultra-fast WiFi, allowing customers to stream and connect seamlessly during flights [1] - The airline plans to equip over 300 aircraft with Starlink technology by the end of 2026, marking a significant upgrade in its inflight services [1] Company Developments - The first Starlink-equipped aircraft will enter service in summer 2026, with a goal to provide high-speed internet access across its network of 11 countries [1] - Southwest Airlines is the largest U.S. airline to offer free WiFi fleetwide to its loyalty members, enhancing customer experience [1] Technology and Service Enhancements - Starlink consists of over 9,000 satellites in low-Earth orbit, providing reliable, high-speed internet that supports streaming, online gaming, and productivity [1] - The airline is also improving the cabin experience with features like in-seat power, larger overhead bins, and new aircraft seats designed for comfort [1] Customer Experience Initiatives - Southwest Airlines is optimizing the boarding process and offering enhanced services for customers in Extra Legroom seats and loyalty program members [1] - The airline is committed to providing a cabin experience that rivals home connectivity, aiming to make travel faster and more enjoyable [1]

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines announced that two directors representing activist investor Elliott Investment Management will resign from the board, effective February 23. The company stated that there are no disagreements between the departing directors and the airline [1]. Group 1 - The board of Southwest Airlines will decrease in size from 13 members to 11 members following the resignations [1].

Core Viewpoint - Multiple airlines have suspended flights to Cuba due to a significant shortage of aviation fuel, exacerbated by U.S. tariffs on oil shipments to the island [1][2][14] Group 1: Airline Operations - Air Canada, WestJet, and Air Transat have canceled flights to Cuba, with Air Canada planning to operate repatriation flights for approximately 3,000 customers currently in Cuba [5][6] - Air Transat will suspend flights to Cuba through April 30 and refund customers whose trips have not yet begun [6] - U.S. airlines, including Southwest and Delta, reported that their operations to Cuba remain largely unaffected, with Southwest operating one flight daily to Havana [8][9] Group 2: Fuel Shortage Details - Cuban authorities announced that aviation fuel will be unavailable at airports for at least one month, until March 11 at the earliest, due to economic pressure from the U.S. [2][10] - The Cuban Aviation Corporation stated that they are working to ensure the safety and reliability of airspace operations despite the fuel shortage [13] Group 3: Political Context - President Trump declared a national emergency regarding Cuba, accusing the regime of aligning with hostile foreign powers and threatening tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba [3][14][15] - The executive order aims to protect U.S. national security and has led to a halt in oil shipments from major partners like Venezuela and Mexico, crippling Cuba's energy infrastructure [14][15]

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines is undergoing a board realignment, reducing its board size from 13 to 11 members following the departure of Directors David Cush and Gregg Saretsky, effective February 23, 2026. This change is part of the company's ongoing transformation and positioning for long-term success [1]. Group 1: Board Changes - Directors David Cush and Gregg Saretsky are stepping down from the Board, effective February 23, 2026 [1]. - The Board will reduce its size from 13 to 11 members in connection with these departures [1]. Group 2: Company Overview - Southwest Airlines operates one of the most admired airlines globally, serving 118 airports across 11 countries [1]. - The airline aims to provide friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel, having carried more air travelers flying nonstop within the U.S. than any other airline [1]. - As of December 31, 2025, the company employs over 72,000 full-time equivalent active employees [1]. - In 2025, Southwest Airlines served over 134 million customers, reflecting its commitment to community and customer service [1].

Core Insights - Whales have adopted a bullish stance on Southwest Airlines, with 50% of trades reflecting bullish expectations and only 8% bearish [1] - The total amount for put options is $2,613,297, while call options total $3,513,813, indicating a stronger interest in calls [1] Price Movements - Big players are targeting a price range of $42.5 to $60.0 for Southwest Airlines over the past quarter [2] Volume & Open Interest - The average open interest for Southwest Airlines options is 540.83, with total trading volume at 4,986.00, reflecting significant activity within the $42.5 to $60.0 strike price corridor over the last 30 days [3] Company Performance - Recent expert ratings on Southwest Airlines indicate an average target price of $50.7, suggesting a positive outlook [5] - Current trading volume is 3,336,344, with the stock price at $54.3, reflecting a 1.76% increase [6] - RSI indicators suggest that the stock may be overbought [6]

Southwest Airlines took first place in WSJ’s 18th annual airline scorecard for the first time since 2020. After finishing second to Delta in a photo finish for 2024’s rankings, Southwest this time won by a wide margin.⁠🔗 Read more: https://t.co/CfghUv9bcK https://t.co/0k8j0Ecnwg ...

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Southwest Airlines (LUV) - Southwest Airlines currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum potential [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), which historically outperforms the market when combined with a Style Score of A or B [4] Price Performance - Over the past week, LUV shares have increased by 13.28%, while the Zacks Transportation - Airline industry has remained flat [6] - In the last month, LUV's price has risen by 22.34%, significantly outperforming the industry's 0.09% [6] - Over the past quarter, LUV shares have risen by 58.93%, and over the last year, they have increased by 68.9%, compared to the S&P 500's 0.3% and 13.4% respectively [7] Trading Volume - LUV's average 20-day trading volume is 10,427,790 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [8] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, 7 earnings estimates for LUV have been revised upwards, with no downward revisions, boosting the consensus estimate from $2.77 to $4.13 [10] - For the next fiscal year, 4 estimates have also moved upwards, indicating positive sentiment [10] Conclusion - Given the strong performance metrics and positive earnings outlook, LUV is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a compelling investment opportunity [12]

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is considered one of the most undervalued travel stocks, with hedge funds showing interest in its potential for growth and recovery [1][2]. Group 1: Price Target Adjustments - Susquehanna raised the price target for Southwest Airlines Co. to $55 from $45 on February 3, maintaining a Neutral rating, citing significant progress in turnaround efforts [1]. - Citi also increased its price target for Southwest Airlines Co. to $54 from $44 while keeping a Neutral rating, expressing a "tactically bullish" outlook on the airline sector following fiscal Q4 reports [3]. Group 2: Company Progress and Strategy - The company is entering 2026 with renewed momentum, having achieved several external and international goals, including the introduction of bag fees and streamlining its corporate workforce [2]. - Southwest Airlines is also focusing on enhancing customer experience by assigning extra-legroom seating [2]. Group 3: Company Operations - Southwest Airlines operates a passenger airline and provides ancillary services such as upgraded boarding, pet transportation, and early bird check-ins [4]. - Its operations extend across the United States and several international locations, including Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Caribbean [4].

Core Viewpoint - Southwest Airlines' stock has significantly outperformed the broader market in 2026, following Elliott Investment Management's initial investment in the company, but the activist investor is now reducing its stake [1]. Group 1: Company Performance - Shares of Southwest Airlines have outperformed the broader market in 2026 [1]. - Elliott Investment Management held a 9% stake in Southwest Airlines as of the end of January 2026 [1]. Group 2: Investor Activity - Elliott Investment Management is trimming down its stake in Southwest Airlines after more than a year of involvement [1].