Southwest Airlines would use tax savings on planes, share buybacks

Southwest Airlines would use savings from a potential cut to the US corporate tax rate to buy new planes and fund share buybacks, CE Gary Kelly said Thursday. Republicans in the US Congress reached a deal this week on a final version of their debt-financed legislation to cut taxes for businesses and wealthy Americans, with House and Senate votes expected early next week. "We're trying to grow and at the same time keep our costs low and manage the risks of growth, and this is very welcomed," Kelly said. "We'll have more money to invest in airplanes, add jobs, share with our current employees and also take good care of our shareholders as well," he added. Kelly said that savings would also help Southwest keep it's fares low. <br/>