Southwest airline pilots approach to land at San Diego International airport in San Diego, California, U.S., May 18, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Dec 12 (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines said on Friday it would open a crew base at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in March 2026, creating more than 2,000 jobs as the carrier looks to expand its footprint in fast-growing central Texas.

Most of the new Austin base staff will include captains, first officers and flight attendants, supported by leadership and administrative teams, the airline said.

Southwest also plans to add a recurring training facility for flight attendants as part of its broader business transformation.

The carrier expects the Austin base to open in early March with about 335 pilots and 650 flight attendants, growing to roughly 2,000 employees by mid-2027.

The airline said the decision followed months of planning and talks with Austin city officials and Texas economic development leaders, aiming to boost the airline's long-term growth and operational efficiency in the state.

Southwest also said it will strengthen partnerships with local workforce programs and the airport's career center to support hiring and training for the new base.

(Reporting by Apratim Sarkar; Editing by Maju Samuel)