Southwest Airlines announces new international partnership with EVA Air

Last week, Southwest formalized a similar arrangement with China Airlines at its Dallas headquarters. During that event, the company indicated it is working to allow Rapid Rewards members to earn and redeem points on partner bookings in the near future. “We’re not talking years and years,” CEO Bob Jordan said last week. “I think you’ll see a pretty regular announcement of new partners.”

Southwest also maintains an existing partnership with Icelandair.

For EVA Air, this development coincides with efforts to increase its presence in the United States. The airline plans to launch nonstop service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in October. This route will introduce EVA’s new premium economy product on its Boeing 787 Dreamliner for U.S. travelers. EVA Air is already partnered with United Airlines via their shared alliance.