Icelandair and Southwest sign MOU to initiate a partnership in 2025

Dergam Mousa

2 years ago

Icelandair and Southwest Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to initiate a bilateral partnership in 2025. The partnership will allow customers to easily connect between the two airlines’ networks.

Icelandair will become Southwest’s initial airline partner, U.S. carrier that is undergoing a major transformation, including the introduction of premium seating.

This partnership will expand the Icelandic airline’s market reach and further strengthens its comprehensive route network, which currently consists of 34 destinations in Europe and 17 in North America, including Baltimore-Washington, the initial North American gateway for connections between Icelandair and Southwest Airlines.

→ Icelandair’s first Airbus A321 rolled out of the paint shop

It’s not yet clear exactly what this partnership will look like, and if it will include a codeshare agreement, frequent flyer reciprocity, etc.

“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”, Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair President and CEO said.

“Icelandair will become our initial partner through a shared focus on warm Hospitality and value in air travel that both carriers strive to offer, enabling Southwest to further our global reach beyond the nearly 120 destinations we serve in North America”, Ryan Green, Southwest Executive Vice President, Commercial Transformation said.