"Just in time for Valentine’s Day, we learned the International Air Transport Association, IATA, last week welcomed Southwest as an official member of the trade organization representing the world’s airlines. Southwest now joins an association of some 340 IATA member air carriers that handle more than 80% of global air traffic. 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.


We quickly moved forward with applying for IATA membership after receiving the required precursor of a Safety-centered IOSA certification in mid-January. Our membership was fast-tracked by IATA, which has long hoped to have Southwest among its members. With so much focus on standing up capabilities and enhancements in our Transformational journey, this was the right time for Southwest to join IATA. We will benefit in several ways, including:


Airline Partnerships: Following the successful launch last week of the first phase of our Icelandair partnership, IATA membership now gives Southwest an ability to streamline the commercial processes and associated legal reviews that will allow us to engage in agreements with other carriers. This is an enabling and accelerating capability to grow our portfolio of airline partners.


More Influence in Industry Topics: IATA committees drive policy for our industry across the globe, especially those related to the standards and procedures of how carriers work together. We now have a voice at the table to represent our unique network and operation, advocate for our People and our Customers, and strengthen Southwest’s position in areaswhere we need to be compliant and competitive.


Data, Discounts, and More: As an IATA member, the association can benefit from all the data and insights we can uniquely contribute as one of the world’s largest airlines under a single operating certificate. We will receive discounted rates on industry materials such as procedural and regulatory manuals that will govern the transportation we provide (through our airline partners) for Customers traveling new geographies around the world on Southwest-issued tickets. These IATA perks, quite simply, save money and associated effort.


We didn’t enter lightly into this IATA affiliation and I’m sharing on behalf of our Leaders a lot of thanks to all who contributed the momentum along this path, including the nearly 30 lines of business we initially consulted to ask, ‘how would IATA membership support and benefit you.’ We’ll share more soon!"