Ehrlich seeks a Southwest move to BWI

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Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. has asked Southwest Airlines Chairman Herb Kelleher to consider moving the company's corporate headquarters to Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.

Mr. Ehrlich spoke late Wednesday with Mr. Kelleher about a move to the Baltimore airport, the airline's fourth-largest hub. But Southwest, which has been in Dallas since 1971, isn't packing boxes.

The likelihood that Southwest will leave its corporate headquarters next to Love Field in Dallas appears remote, but Southwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly last week initiated rampant speculation about the company's future when he said he will listen to an unsolicited offer from Phoenix, which hopes to persuade the airline to relocate.

Phoenix pounced on Southwest because of the airline's frustration over the Wright Amendment, the 1979 law limiting departures from Love Field.

Since Mr. Kelly's remarks, officials in Maryland and Chicago have contacted Southwest Airlines to ask about the company's relocation plans.

"Herb Kelleher and Governor Ehrlich are good friends, and we'll try to build on that," said Aris Melissaratos, secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

Maryland officials have not made Southwest Airlines an offer, Mr. Melissaratos said.

"We're not that far yet," he said. "To the extent Southwest is serious about a move, we will make available all the benefits Maryland has to offer."

Chances may be slim that Southwest will leave Dallas, Mr. Melissaratos said, but if the airline does decide to move, Maryland will be a strong contender.

"I think Mr. Kelleher told the governor that if the airline moves, Baltimore would be his No. 1 choice," he said.