Reuters reports the carrier’s leadership is telling employees that they are preparing to go against Elliott for what could be the future of the airline’s trajectory.

 

“If it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they will get.”

In a memo to the employees, Jordan said that they were preparing to do what it takes to keep the airline under their control. Escalating the rhetoric, Jordan’s notes were clear: “If it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they will get.

 

“Don’t be fooled – this is a battle for the heart of our company and our future – your future,” Jordan also wrote in the memo, as quoted by Reuters.

 

At stake between Southwest’s leadership and Elliott is the ultimate direction of the airline as they move into the future. The investment management firm has been clear that they want to see both Jordan and board chairman Gary Kelly expelled from the Dallas-based airline, blaming them for financially lagging behind their competition.

 

As part of their attempt to make changes to move the financial outlook, Jordan has made several changes to the airline – the most recent being the change from open seating to assigned seats on flights and introducing overnight flights on test markets. While airline leaders say they are willing to have conversations with Elliott, insiders tell Reuters the investor won’t talk unless the leadership is taken off the job.

 

Will Elliott’s attempted coup ultimately be successful? Former United Airlines CEO Oscar Munoz said Southwest may need to give up some ground to Elliott in terms of board seats to cool the proxy battle, but ultimately Jordan needs to be “left to do his work.”

 

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Source: frugal travel guy