Southwest Signals Future Partnership with China Airlines

DELHI — In a landmark development for U.S. aviation, Southwest Airlines (WN) is set to establish its first-ever trans-Pacific airline partnership through an interline agreement with Taiwan-based China Airlines Group. 

The two carriers made a joint announcement during the 2025 IATA AGM in New Delhi, signaling a significant expansion of WN's international reach.

The partnership, expected to launch in early 2026, will create new travel opportunities by connecting China Airlines’ (CI) long-haul routes from Asia to key WN domestic gateways in California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Ontario, and Seattle. It marks a pivotal moment for WN, America’s largest domestic carrier, as it extends its network across the Pacific for the first time.

“We’re on a journey to bring more choices to our Customers,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines. “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.”

Trans-Pacific Journey with a Single Ticket

The proposed interline agreement would enable travelers to book itineraries with both airlines under a single ticket, streamlining international travel from U.S. cities deep into Asia. Customers could check in just once for connecting flights and benefit from coordinated baggage handling and smoother airport transfers.

China Airlines views the agreement as a strategic move to expand its presence in North America. “Growing our long-haul network has always been China Airlines’ long-term plan,” said Kevin Chen, President of China Airlines. “As we expand our operations in California and the Pacific Northwest, we are pleased to include Southwest as a partner. Its unique network opens access to travelers across the U.S., including the Midwest and East Coast.”

The announcement comes as the Dallas-based airline participates in its first IATA AGM as a full member carrier, highlighting the airline’s growing interest in forming strategic international alliances. Watterson confirmed that discussions with other global carriers are also underway, reinforcing WN’s commitment to expanding its international offerings while maintaining its hallmark reliability and customer-friendly service.

Earlier this year, WN made its first transatlantic move through a similar interline agreement with Icelandair (FI). That partnership now offers dual-carrier itineraries between the U.S. and Europe via airports such as Baltimore/Washington, Denver, and Nashville. Beginning July 14, 2025, the collaboration will extend to include Orlando, Pittsburgh, and Raleigh-Durham.