AUSTIN, Texas — On Thursday, Austin city leaders approved a deal with Southwest Airlines to expand its footprint at the Austin airport and create new local jobs.

The plan gives Southwest $2,750 per new Austin-based hire over the next five years. In return, the airline expects to create 2,000 high-paying jobs with an average wage of $180,000 and invest in workforce programs like the city of Austin’s new Austin Infrastructure Academy.

Southwest is the largest airline at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, accounting for more than 40% of all passengers flying to and from Austin.

The airline is looking to expand facilities and operations to support more flights and jobs, and Austin is among the cities under consideration, so the airline is “exploring state and local incentives” as it m

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