Southwest Airlines and Taiwan-based China Airlines has announced plans to launch a new trans-Pacific partnership to offer more travel options between Asia and North America.
Southwest Airlines and Taiwan-based China Airlines has announced plans to launch a new trans-Pacific partnership to offer more travel options between Asia and North America.
Announced during the recent International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Delhi, India, the two airlines reported they are in discussions to create an interline partnership that will start in early 2026. Published connections are expected to go on sale this year in what will be Southwest Airlines' first partnership with an Asia-based airline.
From its hub at Taipei, Taiwan, China Airlines currently operates flights to six cities in North America – Los Angeles, Ontario, San Francisco, New York-JFK, Seattle, and Vancouver. Under the planned partnership, travelers will be able to transfer to more than 30 inland cities from four west coast hubs both airlines operate at – Los Angeles, Ontario, San Francisco, and Seattle.
Among the cities covered in the partnership include Las Vegas, Phoenix, Dallas, Houston, Denver, Atlanta, and Chicago. China Airlines also added popular vacation destinations such as in Florida are also covered.
"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."
The announcement took place as Southwest attended its first IATA AGM since becoming a IATA member airline. During the IATA AGM, Southwest's Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson said the airline has been in talks for more potential airline partnerships.
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.”
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