Southwest has officially joined the International Air Transport Association. The Dallas-based carrier was welcomed into the global airline trade group last week.
IATA is made up of around 340 airlines from around the world and was established 80 years ago. Thirty-six new airlines – including Southwest – have joined the association in 2024 and 2025.
“The membership gives Southwest a voice in shaping the policies and procedures that govern our industry, and more access to resources that help level the playing field with more capabilities for us to be competitive,” the company stated in an internal memo.
In November, Southwest CEO Bob Jordan said the airline was looking at joining the group, but no decisions had been made. IATA Director General Willie Walsh also said during Skift’s Aviation Forum that he would welcome Southwest.
Southwest added that its IATA membership will benefit the carrier in several ways, including partnerships and a broader voice within the travel industry. The airline just recently formalized a partnership with Icelandair.
An airline spokesperson confirmed to AirlineGeeks that Southwest joined IATA last week.
Last month, Southwest completed IATA’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). “IOSA represents the highest global standard for airline operational safety that is respected by regulators worldwide and well-established as a cornerstone for airline partnerships,” said Nick Careen, IATA’s senior vice president operations, safety, and security, in a January news release.
