Southwest to launch first international cargo services in May

Southwest plans to start rolling out international cargo shipments in May, with Mexico City, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta at the top of the list, the carrier announced. The new service, subject to government approvals and the successful deployment of its new Southwest Cargo Suite (SCS) point-of-sale and back-office system, would expand to more destinations in 2018, Southwest said. SCS is expected to be in place by April 1 and will enable advanced cargo bookings and electronic air waybills. Southwest saw cargo revenue rise 1.2% year-over-year in 2017 to $173m, “primarily due to increased demand,” the carrier said in its most recent 10-K filing with the US SEC. Its 2018 Q1 outlook was for a YOY rise compared to 2017's first three months. “Sluggish demand” contributed to a 4.5% drop in full-year 2016 revenue to $172m from $178m in 2017.<br/>