US airline major Southwest Airlines will establish a Global Innovation Centre in Hyderabad, following meetings with Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy. Led by CIO Lauren Woods and CTO Tom Merritt, the initiative marks Southwest’s first major tech investment in India, strengthening Hyderabad’s position as a global innovation hub.
In a significant boost to Telangana’s growing reputation as an international technology hub, Southwest Airlines, one of the largest carriers in the United States, has announced plans to set up its Global Innovation Centre in Hyderabad, India.
The announcement followed a high-level meeting between Southwest’s senior leadership and A. Revanth Reddy, Chief Minister of Telangana, signaling a strong commitment to deepening the airline’s technological and strategic presence in India.
The delegation included Lauren Woods, Chief Information Officer; Tom Merritt, Chief Technology Officer; Jason Shyung, Head of Legal Counsel; and Sarthak Brahma from HEX Advisory Group. During the meeting, the team formalized the decision to establish the new facility, which is expected to play a key role in Southwest’s global digital transformation journey.
Headquartered in Dallas, Southwest Airlines is the fourth-largest airline in the United States and a pioneer in the low-cost carrier model. The new Hyderabad centre will focus on innovation, technology development, and digital solutions that enhance operational efficiency, customer experience, and sustainability.
Speaking after the meeting, Chief Minister Revanth Reddy welcomed the announcement, highlighting Telangana’s emergence as a preferred destination for global innovation and R&D investments. “We are delighted that Southwest Airlines has chosen Hyderabad for its Global Innovation Centre. Telangana continues to attract world-leading companies who see value in our strong technology ecosystem and talent base,” he said.
The centre will likely leverage Hyderabad’s robust technology infrastructure and skilled workforce to build next-generation tools for aviation technology — ranging from data analytics and automation to customer service platforms and safety systems.
For Southwest Airlines, the move marks a strategic step in expanding its global footprint beyond North America, reflecting the airline’s focus on digital transformation and innovation-led growth. The company has been investing heavily in upgrading its technology platforms to improve reliability, customer connectivity, and sustainability initiatives.
Industry experts see this development as another validation of India’s growing importance as a global innovation hub for the aviation sector. Several leading airlines, including American and European carriers, have already established technology and service centers in India to tap into its deep engineering and IT capabilities.
Hyderabad, in particular, has emerged as a preferred base for global aviation technology and software development. The city’s cluster of aerospace parks, technology institutes, and R&D centers has made it a magnet for multinational corporations seeking innovation-driven growth.
Southwest’s decision further strengthens Hyderabad’s standing as an international hub for digital excellence. The establishment of the Global Innovation Centre is expected to create new high-value jobs and opportunities for collaboration between global aviation experts and India’s tech talent.
As the aviation industry undergoes rapid digital transformation, the Hyderabad centre will likely serve as a nerve center for Southwest’s innovation roadmap — focusing on optimizing flight operations, enhancing passenger experience, and building data-driven, sustainable aviation systems.
With this investment, Southwest Airlines joins a growing list of global majors choosing Hyderabad as their strategic innovation destination, reaffirming Telangana’s vision of becoming one of the world’s top technology and investment ecosystems.
