Southwest files for permit to fly more international routes, Reuters reports

Southwest (LUV) Airlines on Tuesday filed with U.S. regulators asking for a permit to fly more international routes, including Europe, hinting at plans to expand its limited global network, according to Reuters. The carrier’s filing with the U.S. Department of Transport seeks permission to transport “persons, property and mail” to all countries with which the United States has an open skies agreements. Those include countries across Europe, Latin America and parts of Asia and Africa. Southwest currently flies within the U.S. and to some nearby destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central America, the report notes. Shares of Southwest have gained over 3% on Wednesday and are trading at $32.31.