Dallas-based Braniff Airways, dba Braniff International, announces that the company’s current employees and retirees can join Southwest Airlines Federal Credit Union, marking the first time that any airline’s retirees can join the popular credit union. The new agreement will enable Braniff employees and retirees to open checking accounts and enjoy the low interest rate car and home loans as well as the higher interest-bearing checking accounts offered by Southwest Airlines Credit Union, according to Braniff International Chairman Ben Cass.

Braniff Airways once operated its own credit union for more than 40 years, known as Braniff Airways Federal Credit Union. The credit union continued after Braniff ceased air operations in May 1982 and became DFW Federal Credit Union. The credit union eventually merged with Omni American Federal Credit Union, which was later merged with another credit union, making it difficult for Braniff employees and retirees to have access to banking services. Southwest Airlines FCU services are available online SWACU.org and at their DFW locations.