Southwest Airlines has announced an interline partnership with Taiwan’s China Airlines, marking the U.S. carrier’s first major collaboration with a transpacific operator as it eyes international expansion. The agreement, revealed at the IATA Annual General Meeting, will connect Southwest’s extensive U.S. domestic network with China Airlines’ transpacific routes, offering passengers seamless connections primarily through California gateways.
Strategic Network Expansion
Southwest COO Andrew Watterson emphasized the partnership’s value for California-based travelers, noting Southwest carries more domestic passengers to and from the state than any competitor. “Our customers will benefit immediately from overseas connections,” Watterson stated, highlighting how the deal complements Southwest’s recent approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation to serve all Open Skies agreement countries.
China Airlines’ U.S. Growth Plans
China Airlines President Kevin Chen described the partnership as aligning with the Taiwanese carrier’s strategy to deepen its U.S. market penetration beyond West Coast hubs. The airline aims to extend its reach toward Midwest and East Coast destinations through the Southwest connection, potentially boosting transfer traffic at key Southwest hubs like Chicago Midway and Baltimore/Washington.
Southwest’s International Ambitions
The China Airlines agreement follows Southwest’s recent partnership with Icelandair, signaling a strategic shift for the traditionally domestic-focused carrier. Industry analysts view these moves as incremental steps toward eventual international service, with the interline model allowing Southwest to test overseas markets without immediately deploying its own aircraft on long-haul routes.
Operational Implementation
Initial interline functionality will focus on through-ticketing and baggage transfer, with potential for expanded cooperation depending on market response. The airlines plan to implement the first phase of connectivity by late 2025, initially linking Southwest’s California network with China Airlines’ Los Angeles and San Francisco operations.
Future Partnership Potential
Southwest executives hinted at additional airline partnerships in development, suggesting the carrier may soon announce similar agreements with European and Latin American operators. These collaborations position Southwest to compete more effectively with global alliance networks while maintaining its low-cost, point-to-point service model for core domestic markets.
