Rollin King

Rollin W. King (April 10, 1931 – June 26, 2014) was a US businessman and investment consultant. He is best-known as the founder and former director of Southwest Airlines.

Background

King moved to Texas in 1962. He had received an M.B.A. from Harvard University and was working as an investment consultant. In 1964 he made his initial foray into airplane transportation, buying a local air charter company. During that time he watched with interest the growing market share of one of the nation's oldest low-cost air carriers, Pacific Southwest Airlines, and became determined to create a similar operation in Texas.

Southwest Airlines

King's involvement with Southwest Airlines dates from 15 March 1967, when he and Herb Kelleher incorporated the Air Southwest Company in Texas, with the stated intention of flying only to points within that state. Kelleher believed that by staying within Texas, the airline could avoid federal regulation. However, three airlines with bases in Texas launched legal action to keep the startup company from initiating operations, so it did not begin operations until 18 June 1971. King had hired Kelleher to provide legal representation for the nascent operation. From 1968 until 1970 King was responsible for recruiting a board of directors, writing the business plan, and raising the money necessary to fund the company's activities aimed at becoming certified by the State of Texas to provide airline service between Dallas, Houston and San Antonio.