Interline agreement to connect America’s largest domestic carrier and Taiwan-based China Airlines through shared gateways in California, creating first trans-Pacific airline partnership for Southwest Airlines
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®.
“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,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines. “As the largest carrier of domestic Passengers in the United States, we also carry more people to, from, and within California than any other airline1 and expect Southwest Customers could benefit immediately from having access to connections overseas through China Airlines.”
“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 Coast.” said Kevin Chen, President at China Airlines. “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. “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,” Watterson said. Earlier this year, Southwest launched a partnership with Icelandair that now connects Customers traveling between the U.S. and Europe on dual-carrier itineraries through gateway airports Baltimore/Washington, Denver, and Nashville. Beginning July 14, 2025, Icelandair and Southwest will add connecting service through Orlando, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh-Durham, providing more access between Europe and cities across the extensive Southwest Airlines network.
About China Airlines (CAL)
China Airlines (CAL) was founded in 1959. The Taiwan-based carrier now employs more than 10,000 people worldwide and the Group’s fleet has grown to 111 aircraft and strives to become the leading airline in the Asia-Pacific and fly worldwide by providing every traveler with the utmost flying experience.
China Airlines continuously delivers a safe, high-quality, eco-friendly, and innovative flying experience, ensuring a comfortable journey and peace of mind for travelers and creating more wonderful moments through flying. As the leading air cargo carrier in the Taiwanese market, China Airlines Cargo Services provide consignors with a reliable, convenient transportation service that is always being improved.
