Southwest Airlines to partner with Taiwan’s China Airlines

NEW DELHI - Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV), a prominent player in the Passenger Airlines industry with a market capitalization of $19 billion and annual revenue exceeding $27.5 billion, is preparing to establish its first trans-Pacific interline partnership with Taiwan-based China Airlines Group. This collaboration, announced during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2025 Annual General Meeting, is set to create shared gateways in California and is expected to launch in early 2026. The airline’s stock has shown strong momentum, gaining nearly 8% in the past week and trading near its 52-week high. According to InvestingPro analysis, the company currently appears fairly valued based on its comprehensive Fair Value model.

The proposed partnership would enable seamless travel between the substantial domestic routes of Southwest Airlines and the expanding long-haul network of China Airlines. According to Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest, this move is aimed at providing more choices to their customers, facilitating connections to Asia through California’s gateway operations. The airline maintains strong financial health, with InvestingPro data showing profitability over the last twelve months and positive earnings forecasts for the current fiscal year. For deeper insights into Southwest Airlines’ financial metrics and growth potential, investors can access the comprehensive Pro Research Report, available exclusively to InvestingPro subscribers.

Kevin Chen, President of China Airlines, highlighted the mutual benefits, anticipating that the cooperation will enhance travel options and improve connectivity between the U.S. Midwest and East Coast and Asia. The future arrangement is expected to allow customers to book itineraries under one ticket for a seamless travel experience.

Southwest Airlines, which recently became a member of IATA, has shown a keen interest in global partnerships. Earlier this year, the airline initiated a partnership with Icelandair, connecting U.S. and European destinations through multiple U.S. gateway airports, with plans to expand this service in July 2025.

China Airlines, founded in 1959, has grown to a fleet of 111 aircraft and aims to be a leading airline in the Asia-Pacific region. The carrier is committed to delivering a high-quality, eco-friendly, and innovative flying experience, also being a major player in air cargo services in the Taiwanese market.

This interline agreement represents a strategic move for Southwest as it continues to expand its footprint beyond the domestic U.S. market, leveraging its reputation for reliability and friendly service. The partnership is anticipated to offer a broader range of travel options for customers of both airlines. The details of the connections and ticket sales are expected to be available later this year, as stated in the press release. With a gross profit margin of 22% and multiple positive InvestingPro indicators, including strong shareholder yield and solid balance sheet metrics, Southwest appears well-positioned to execute this strategic expansion.

In other recent news, Southwest Airlines reported its first-quarter 2025 earnings, which exceeded analysts’ expectations. The airline posted an earnings per share of -$0.13, surpassing the anticipated -$0.17, and reported revenue of $6.43 billion, slightly above the forecasted $6.42 billion. Moody’s Ratings downgraded Southwest Airlines’ senior unsecured rating to Baa2 from Baa1, citing a challenging operating environment and expected modest improvement in operating margins. Despite these challenges, Southwest is implementing cost-cutting measures, targeting over $1 billion in savings by 2027, and plans to reduce its Debt to Capital ratio to between 30% and 35% by the end of 2027.

Additionally, Southwest Airlines is revamping its fare structures and rewards program, introducing new fare options like Choice Extra and Choice Preferred, and expanding benefits for its Rapid Rewards Credit Cardmembers and Tier Members. These changes aim to enhance customer loyalty and travel flexibility. Meanwhile, Citi analysts lowered the stock price target for Southwest to $22.00 from $23.00, maintaining a Sell rating due to competitive disadvantages faced by discount airlines like Southwest compared to network carriers.

Southwest Airlines also announced the introduction of fees for checked luggage, a departure from its previous policy of free checked bags, with charges of $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second. The company is making these strategic shifts to improve profitability and navigate the current economic landscape.

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