### Southwest Airlines Eyes New International Partnership with China Airlines

Southwest Airlines is on the brink of establishing its second international partnership, this time with China Airlines. The Dallas-based carrier announced on Monday that it is currently negotiating an interline agreement with the Taiwan-based airline. This partnership, expected to launch next year, would enable Southwest customers to book flights to Taipei through both its website and mobile app. The collaboration may also allow Rapid Rewards members to use points for transpacific flights to Taiwan in the future.

Just four months ago, Southwest introduced its first international partnership with Icelandair. Presently, travelers can use Icelandair's website or services like Expedia to book itineraries that combine flights between the two airlines to Reykjavik and even to destinations across Europe. This partnership is anticipated to expand soon, offering reservations via Southwest's booking channels and allowing Rapid Rewards points redemptions.

The potential deal with China Airlines would mark Southwest's first connection over the Pacific Ocean. “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 Southwest's Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson.

Last fall, Southwest announced a significant revamp of its business model, which included plans to add multiple international airline partners. These new partnerships are aimed at providing Rapid Rewards members with additional redemption options. Currently, Southwest operates domestic flights and short-haul international routes to destinations such as Mexico and the Caribbean. Collaborating with Icelandair and China Airlines will extend Southwest's global reach.

At present, China Airlines operates flights from Taipei to five U.S. airports. However, competition in this sector is growing due to Taiwan-based carriers Starlux Airlines and EVA Air. Executives from Southwest and China Airlines met this week to finalize the details of their new partnership during the International Air Transport Association's General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in India.

In January, Southwest executives had mentioned their intention to announce a second international partner by the end of 2025. This plan appears to be materializing with Monday's announcement. Additionally, Southwest plans to extend its Icelandair partnership to three new U.S. airports starting July 14. This expansion will allow customers to book connections through Icelandair from airports beyond the existing gateways at Denver, Nashville, and Baltimore/Washington.

While the current tie-up with Icelandair does not yet support Rapid Rewards redemptions or direct bookings through Southwest's website, these options are expected to be available soon. Southwest has expressed a desire to broaden this partnership and make booking options available on its own channels around the same time it introduces assigned seating, a change expected to occur between July and September.