Southwest Airlines said last week’s fatal accident has started to impact the bottom line with a ‘softness in bookings.’
Speaking to CNBC CEO Gary Kelly said it was expected and part of the dip in bookings can be attributed to the airline pulling its advertising after the tragedy.
Southwest suffered its first ever passenger fatality when a fan blade broke off an engine of a Boeing 737 and shrapnel shattered a window.
A woman was partially sucked through the opening and later died.
"I think our business is holding up just fine," Kelly said.
"A little bit of softness is to be expected. We have very little debt, a lot of cash. A lot of fans who love Southwest Airlines," he said.
However Kelly said it ‘remains a somber time’ and the airline vowed to ‘never compromise’ on safety.
Kelly also gave an update on fleet-wide engine inspections in the wake of the accident.
"We are on a very accelerated cycle. I feel very comfortable with what we are doing. The inspections are going well and I am pleased with the results so far," he said.
About 80% of the fleet has been checked, Kelly said.
