Though it’s been a bumpy few months for Southwest Airlines with boarding policy changes and rabid bin space competition, the Texas-based airline had reason to celebrate as it opened a new crew base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport this week.

Airport officials believe the Dallas-based airline’s new base will create upwards of 2,000 pilot and flight attendant positions over time. 

“I love Southwest Airlines because of the role it’s played in Austin, the role it continues to play, and the role it will have in our very exciting future,” Mayor Kirk Watson said in remarks. “The only complaint I’ve got right now is that I am buying extra leg room, and I’ve been whining about these legs all my life.”

However, the City of Austin sought to lure Southwest Airlines into expanding its operations with economic development incentives. They ended up approving an agreement with Southwest, which authorizes up to $5.5 million in possible incentives over five years, contingent on Southwest creating jobs in Austin, and going ahead with “plans to establish a full crew base, relocate its Command Center to AUS, and invest more than $8.4 million in airport improvements.”

The event held at Gate 14 inside the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport appears to be a step toward that agreement. It was heralded with a gate ceremony and attended by numerous city officials in addition to the mayor, including District 2 Council Member Vanessa Fuentes and Austin-Bergstrom CEO Ghizlane Badawi.

“This is really exciting for our crew members. It’s a big quality of life improvement,” said Capt. Steve Christl, Southwest Senior Vice President of Air Operations. 

“I appreciate Mayor Watson’s promotion of the ELR seats,” Christl joked.