Q&A: 1-on-1 with Southwest COO Andrew Watterson
Exec talks airline accomplishments, future at Cranky Network Awards
By Bob Kerlik
Published February 26, 2024
Read Time: 2 mins
OAKLAND, Calif. – They don’t call it the Cranky Network Awards for nothing.
Aviation industry blog Cranky Flier hosted its annual awards banquet last week, and the event drew aviation leaders from airlines across North America. The event, as usual, contained plenty of airline and aviation industry digs but also dished out awards for everything from Sexiest New Airline Route to Most Improved Network.
Pittsburgh International Airport Air Service Development Director Joe Rotterdam was nominated by the airlines as a finalist for Best Airport Partner.
“It’s always an honor to be nominated for an award, a nomination I share with our tremendous team,” Rotterdam said. “But when that recognition comes from the people you work with, it really means so much. I appreciate their support, and I’m looking forward to our continued partnership in growing air service at PIT.”
Paul Forde of Winnipeg Richardson International Airport was named the winner. For a full accounting of awards and winners, check out Cranky Flier founder Brett Snyder’s X account.
After the event, Blue Sky caught up with Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson for a quick Q&A:
