Southwest Airlines Co. and China Airlines Group, a Taiwan-based carrier, are in discussions to create an interline partnership in early 2026, with published connections expected to go on sale later this year.
Executive Leadership from both carriers met this week at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in India to jointly announce the first trans-Pacific airline partnership for Southwest Airlines.
Andrew Watterson, chief operating officer at Southwest Airlines said: “We’re on a journey to bring more choices to our Customers.
“This initial work to partner with Taiwan-based China Airlines would allow for seamless trans-Pacific journeys across the Southwest network, furthering the reach of our Vision and Purpose—to connect People with important moments in their lives.
“As the largest carrier of domestic Passengers in the United States, we also carry more people to, from, and within California than any other airline and expect Southwest Customers could benefit immediately from having access to connections overseas through China Airlines.”
Kevin Chen, president at China Airlines said: “Growing our long-haul network always has been China Airlines’ long-term plan.
“As we expand our gateway operations in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, as well as Ontario, California, we are pleased to include Southwest as one of our partners with its unique network that further expands North American connection opportunities into the Midwest and toward the East Coas.
“In the future, customers may book China Airlines and Southwest Airlines itineraries under one ticket and enjoy seamless travel experiences.
“We believe this complementary cooperation will enhance travel options for our customers and improve connectivity to Asia for travelers in the domestic U.S. market.”
Southwest is attending its first AGM since becoming a member carrier earlier this year.
Watterson said: “We’ve found great interest globally in potential partnerships with Southwest and continue discussions here in New Delhi with several like-minded carriers attracted to our consistent Reliability, friendly brand, and unmatched network in the United States”.
