Southwest Airlines’ customers remain loyal despite service meltdowns: Sal Lagonia 00:00 00:0002:54GO LIVE Facebook Twitter Email Embed SpeedNormal Autoplay Southwest Airlines is reportedly reducing the number of hours prospective pilots must have spent flying jets and other turbine-powered aircraft. While the airline had required applicants to have spent at least 1,000 hours flying such aircraft, The Wall Street Journal said Saturday that it will now consider candidates with less of that type of experience. The outlet said the change is set to go into effect Feb. 7, citing a message sent to pilots this week. The carrier reportedly has noted there was an increased demand for highly qualified pilots across the industry. Southwest Airlines pilots conduct a pre-flight check in the cockpit of an airplane on the tarmac at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Los Angeles Sept. 6, 2013. The pilot credentials listed on Southwest’s website show 500 hours in a fixed-wing turbine aircraft are "preferred." Ticker Security Last Change Change % LUV SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO. 36.35 -0.47 -1.28% Powered By Southwest Airlines told FOX Business in an emailed statement it had exceeded its 2022 hiring goal and was on an early track to meet its expanded 2023 […]