Kurt Kinder | Vice President Maintenance Operations
Southwest Airlines

Kurt oversees all of Southwest’s frontline aircraft maintenance operations, including aircraft maintenance, material stores, and maintenance operations control. These Employees are vital members of our Team who focus on our aircraft's safety, compliance, and movement. Prior to joining Southwest in 2019, Kurt’s airline career included the positions of Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering, Managing Director of Line Maintenance, and A&P Mechanic for Alaska Airlines. His first job with Alaska was in 1988 washing aircraft tails. As a career aviation Employee, Kurt prides himself on his approachable demeanor and ability to connect with his Team. He seeks to be the sort of Leader who understands that his job is to listen and support. Kurt earned an MBA from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, and an Executive Management Certificate from the University of Washington. He holds an Aircraft Maintenance Certificate from Big Bend Community College. In his free time, Kurt enjoys spending time at home in the Pacific Northwest with his wife, his four sons, and his grandsons.