Southwest Airlines has launched its first ever Global Innovation Centre outside the US, choosing Hyderabad as the location. This centre is expected to grow to more than 1,000 skilled engineers and technology professionals. Teams will work on artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, analytics, digital engineering, cybersecurity, and next generation product development.
The new facility will act as a strategic hub for technology, engineering and enterprise operations (cybersecurity, AI/ML, data science analytics, and digital operations), supporting secure and scalable aviation systems for the airline’s worldwide network.
During the inauguration, Telangana IT Minister Duddilla?Sridhar?Babu and IT Advisor Sai?Krishna met with Southwest executives including Lauren?Woods, executive?vice?president?and CIO, and Krishna?Kallepalli, vice?president?and?global?head?of?innovation, India. Discussions focused on the company’s long term plans and Hyderabad’s expanding role as a global hub for travel, aviation and enterprise innovation.
The new office is expected to help Southwest build critical business and technology skills. As per the company, Hyderabad was chosen for its offering of one of the world’s biggest and best pools of analytics and engineering talent.
Hyderabad already hosts more than 450 Global Capability Centres (GCCs) employing over 1.35 lakh professionals across technology, finance, healthcare, aerospace, and advanced engineering. The city continues to attract Fortune?500 companies investing in AI, digital engineering, product development, and cybersecurity—cementing its reputation as India’s leading destination for global innovation and talent.