Southwest Airlines' first company-wide layoffs in its nearly 54-year history are aimed at shoring up profits, but they run the risk of undermining a company culture of putting employees first that made it stand out from rivals and cultivated a loyal fan base.

The reduction also includes leadership positions, Southwest said, adding it would eliminate 11 senior leadership roles — which represents 15% of the company's senior management committee.

Days after Southwest announced its first layoffs in company history, a C-suite executive who has been with the company for over two decades stepped down. Aviation experts weigh in on the future of the airline after passengers and employees are left wondering.