Southwest will soon partner with an international airline, a first in the Dallas-based carrier’s recent history. The new tie-up was announced as part of the airline’s Investor Day on Thursday.
Slated to begin in 2025, Southwest will partner with Icelandair initially at its Baltimore/Washington base. The two airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch the so-called “bilateral” partnership.
According to a press release from Icelandair, the new partnership will allow for connections between both airlines’ networks. The two carriers have yet to provide further information on codesharing or interline transfers.
“We are very excited to add Southwest to our impressive partnership portfolio and are honored to be chosen as their initial airline partner,” said Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s President and CEO in the release. “The partnership will unlock many exciting travel options for our customers, and our extensive network in Europe will open for Southwest customers. As part of our strategic focus on expanding our global partnership network, we seek out airlines known for exceptional service and connectivity. We welcome Southwest as a partner and look forward to working together to make the journeys of our mutual passengers smooth and enjoyable.”
Southwest’s commercial chief Ryan Green added that the airline “aims to serve our Customers and those of Icelandair on both sides of the Atlantic.”
In a presentation to investors, the carrier said it plans to add at least one more partner next year. Eventually, Southwest notes, these partner flights will be available for booking through its channels with assigned seating.
This is not the first time Southwest and Icelandair were partners. The carriers had a short-lived marketing and interline agreement in the 1990s, which was later ended.
Editor’s Note: This story was updated on September 26, 2024 at 1:17 p.m. ET to reflect Southwest’s previous partnership with Icelandair in the 1990s.
