< Reveal sidebar

Southwest Becomes IATA Member

The carrier joins a group of around 340 global airlines.

A Southwest 737 (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

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.

Ryan Ewing
Follow Ryan
Latest posts by Ryan Ewing (see all)

Author

  • Ryan Ewing

    Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

    View all posts

Subscribe to AirlineGeeks' Daily Check-In

Receive a daily dose of the airline industry's top stories along with market insights right in your inbox.

Related Stories

Controllers Will Have to List Past Week’s Accomplishments

All 57,000 Department of Transportation employees were advised Monday to respond to Elon Musk’s email to federal workers, according to…

Etihad Closes 2024 With Largest-Ever Profit

Etihad Airways reported strong financial results for 2024, highlighting significant growth and profitability. Strong Commercial Performance The airline recorded a profit…

American 787 Intercepted by Fighter Jets

An American Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner diverted to Rome on Sunday due to a reported bomb threat. Flight 292 was…