Taiwan’s flag carrier China Airlines (CAL) and U.S.-based Southwest Airlines are moving toward a landmark interline partnership, with both carriers aiming to launch trans-Pacific connections by early 2026. The two airlines revealed the development at the 2025 International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in New Delhi, signaling a major expansion in Southwest’s global reach and a strategic network enhancement for CAL.
If finalized, the deal would represent Southwest Airlines’ first trans-Pacific partnership, enabling customers to book seamless itineraries that combine Southwest’s extensive U.S. domestic network with China Airlines’ long-haul routes to Asia.
CAL currently operates widebody services—including Airbus A350s and Boeing 777-300ERs—to several major U.S. gateways served by Southwest: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ontario (CA), and Seattle. These overlapping hubs provide a natural bridge for joint connectivity, facilitating customer transfers from Southwest’s domestic flights to CAL’s international operations.
“We’re on a journey to bring more choices to our Customers,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines. “This partnership with China Airlines would allow for seamless trans-Pacific journeys, furthering our purpose of connecting people with important moments in their lives.”
Watterson emphasized Southwest’s dominant position in California and U.S. domestic travel: “As the largest carrier of domestic passengers in the United States—and the leader in California—we see tremendous value in offering our customers easy access to Asia through CAL.”
For China Airlines, the collaboration supports its ongoing international growth strategy. “Expanding our long-haul network has always been a key part of our long-term plan,” said Kevin Chen, President of China Airlines. “Our growing operations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Ontario make Southwest an ideal partner. Their unique domestic network offers extended reach into the U.S. Midwest and East Coast.”
Once implemented, the interline partnership will allow passengers to purchase combined itineraries through a single booking platform, simplifying check-in and baggage handling. Tickets for these routes are expected to go on sale later this year.
This collaboration marks another significant global move for Southwest, which only joined IATA earlier in 2025. “Since becoming an IATA member, we’ve seen global interest in potential partnerships,” Watterson added. “Here in Delhi, we continue active discussions with several like-minded carriers drawn to our reliable operations, friendly brand, and unmatched U.S. network.”
The news follows Southwest’s earlier entry into international partnerships, including a 2025 tie-up with Icelandair that offers transatlantic connectivity through U.S. gateways like Baltimore/Washington, Denver, and Nashville. That agreement is set to expand on July 14, 2025, to include Orlando, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh-Durham.
Southwest Airlines operates the fourth-largest airline fleet in the world, while China Airlines currently fields a fleet of 111 aircraft across its group. Together, the two airlines are poised to offer travelers a powerful new option for connecting Asia with the heart of America.
