Sept 24 (Reuters) -

Activist investor Elliott Investment Management on Tuesday

escalated its boardroom battle with Southwest Airlines ( LUV ),

saying it plans to call a special shareholder meeting as soon as

next week to overhaul the airline's leadership.

In a letter to shareholders, the hedge fund accused the

airline of obstructing a leadership change.

Elliott now owns enough Southwest ( LUV ) stock to

call a special meeting

and take the next steps to

shake up the board

and management. In August, it identified 10 director

candidates it could nominate to the 15-member board.

Southwest ( LUV ) did not immediately respond to a request for

comments.

The airline this month said it would appoint four new

independent directors in the near future and would potentially

include up to three candidates proposed by Elliott.

However, the company expressed confidence in CEO Bob

Jordan, saying there was "no better leader" to successfully

execute its strategy to "evolve the airline and enhance

sustainable shareholder value."

Southwest ( LUV ) has been struggling to

find its footing

after the pandemic, in part due to Boeing's ( BA ) aircraft

delivery delays and industry-wide overcapacity in the domestic

market.

It plans to offer assigned and extra-legroom seats to

attract premium travelers, and start overnight flights. It will

present details to investors on Sept. 26.