Southwest The Magazine - September 2014 - (Page 124)

SPOTLIGHT Introducing the NOC The recently opened Network Operations Control center is Southwest's new operational hub. ALL TOGETHER The new facility houses an array of groups in a central location. Did you know there are Southwest Airlines Employees in Dallas who are dedicated to each and every part of your fl ight, from determining what Crew will serve you to what route your plane will take? These Employees are at the very heart of our complex network, in a brand new, state-of-the-art facility called the Network Operations Control. The Network Operations Control, better known as the NOC, opened its doors in early May, and it houses the Employees of our Network Operations Control Department, who have a stake in all aspects of launching 3,500-plus departures every day. Having all of these voices in one room provides visibility to just about everything that happens in the operation on a daily basis. With the hundreds of decisions we make every day, having stronger coordination among all of the groups that make up the Department-including Meteorology, Flight Dispatch, Customer Service Coordinators, and Crew Scheduling, among others-helps us make the best possible choices for our Customers. Since the Team stationed at the NOC is responsible for overseeing our fl ight operations 124 SOUTHWEST SEPTEMBER 2014 and Customers' experience, it must be able to function 24/7. The building was constructed to withstand a category F-3 tornado and includes fi reproof doors that can be engaged in the event of an emergency. And every aspect of the facility was carefully designed so that our Employees can manage their high-stress jobs with ease. For instance, the blue lighting inside is proven to reduce stress and ease eyestrain, and the undulating ceiling is intended to reduce noise levels. In short, the NOC's aesthetics aren't just for show. Every element was intentionally designed with our Employees, our operation, and you, our Customers, in mind. When you look out on the NOC fl oor, it's amazing to see how far we have come from the one Dispatch desk we had when Southwest fi rst took to the skies in 1971. Throughout the years, we have not been shy about saying how much we LUV our Customers and Employees, and the NOC is evidence of our continued commitment to them and the cities we serve. -Matt Hafner, VP Network Operations Control

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Southwest The Magazine - September 2014

Southwest The Magazine - September 2014
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Saludos de Gary
Straight from the Heart
You Made Our Day
Our Star
Rapid Rewards Freedom Story
Snapshots
From the Editor
Feedback
Eat Drink Sleep
Wise Guide
Numbers
Business
Aristotle’s Book of Love
Save the Day!
Your Adventure in New Orleans
Promotional Series: Focus on Men’s Health
Calendar
Fun!
Products & Services
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Flight Service
Information
Rapid Rewards Partner
Terminal Maps
Route Map
The "If" List

Southwest The Magazine - September 2014