鼓励改善运营 美国政府免除西南航空公司1100万美元罚款

Group 1 - The U.S. government has waived a $11 million fine against Southwest Airlines to encourage increased investment and improved operational conditions [1][3] - The fine was originally due by the end of January next year, but the Department of Transportation noted that Southwest Airlines significantly improved its on-time performance and completion rates by investing $112.4 million in its network operations control system [3] - This decision is seen as a way to motivate airlines to enhance their operational efficiency, ultimately benefiting travelers [3] Group 2 - Southwest Airlines expressed gratitude for the federal government's decision, highlighting that it has successfully transformed over the past two years and is now a leader in on-time performance and flight completion rates [5] - The fine originated from an operational system failure during the 2022 holiday travel season, which resulted in the cancellation of approximately 17,000 flights and affected around 2 million passengers [5] - The waived $11 million is the last remaining portion of a total fine of $140 million imposed on Southwest Airlines by the Department of Transportation at the end of 2023 [5]