Bob Waltz

Vice President Flight Operations

-- Download Photo --

Title: Vice President Flight Operations

JOB DESCRIPTION: Bob's primary responsibility is serving Southwest's nearly 10,000 Flight Operations Employees. He provides Leadership and support to the department, which includes 11 Pilot bases, Crew Planning/Scheduling/Payroll, numerous Headquarters technical and support functions, and the LEAD Center, home to our world-class Pilot training. He works with his Team to develop and implement policy and procedures to ensure safe and efficient flight operations at Southwest.

EXPERIENCE: Bob has served our country and Southwest Airlines for over 20 years. After retiring from the United States Air Force Reserve as an Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officer, Bob leaned into Leadership roles at Southwest, serving first as a Chief Pilot for our Network Operations Control, Network Director, and most recently as Flight Ops Director Compliance, Operations and Procedures and 14 CFR Part 119 Chief Pilot. His passion for continuous service has helped him serve as the Chair of the Airlines for America Operations Council and as a Southwest Check Airman. Bob also served on the Military Committee for the Southwest Airlines Pilot Association.

EDUCATION: Bob is a doctoral candidate in Aerospace Science/Safety Management Systems at the University of North Dakota. He received his master's in Educational Psychology from Florida State University and his bachelor's in Human Factors Engineering from the US Air Force Academy.

LENGTH OF SERVICE AT SOUTHWEST: Bob joined Southwest Airlines on Sept. 14, 2000.

FAMILY: Bob and his wife, Teri, have two daughters—Elizabeth and Isabella.

FIRST PAYING JOB: School grounds and building maintenance in high school

PROUDEST MOMENT: In 2016, completed a flyover at the University of Oklahoma Bedlam football game to honor the late Southwest Employee Mike Winchester, a former OU Football player.

BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED: Listen before you speak.

BEST ADVICE EVER GIVEN: Practice the platinum rule—do unto others as they would be done unto.