Published on
October 28, 2025
Southwest Airlines has made a significant move to boost its international visibility by entering an interline agreement with Hahnair, an airline distribution network. This new collaboration will allow Southwest Airlines® to extend its ticketing access to over 100,000 travel agencies in 190 markets outside of the United States. By partnering with Hahnair, Southwest will enhance its global distribution, effectively reaching travelers worldwide and expanding beyond its core U.S. market.
“This partnership is particularly helpful for people visiting the United States who need to move about the country and now can more effortlessly consider our unmatched domestic network,” said Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer. “Our partnership with Hahnair allows for the sale of Southwest tickets in geographies where we don’t fly today, in local currencies.”
“Welcoming Southwest Airlines to our leading network of over 350 partner carriers marks a significant milestone for our worldwide network,” said Alexander Proschka, Chief Commercial Officer of Hahnair. “Through this partnership, Hahnair is offering travel agencies around the globe access to Southwest Airlines’ extensive flight offerings, while at the same time delivering an efficient and comprehensive distribution solution to Southwest.”
Southwest Airlines, known for its unmatched hospitality and commitment to providing affordable air travel, operates one of the most admired airlines in the world. Founded in 1971, Southwest has grown from a small regional carrier into the largest domestic airline in the United States, operating nonstop flights to 117 airports across 11 countries. Over the years, Southwest has become synonymous with friendly service and low-cost, reliable travel. In 2024 alone, the airline transported over 140 million passengers, a testament to its popularity and operational excellence.
This new partnership with Hahnair will help Southwest further its mission of connecting people globally. Hahnair is a well-established distributor of airline content, offering various services designed to support airlines in reaching customers outside of their direct markets. Through this agreement, Southwest Airlines can access Hahnair’s global network and ticket distribution tools, extending the airline’s reach far beyond the U.S. borders.
Hahnair’s core offerings include its HR-169, H1-Air, and X1-Air products, which simplify indirect distribution for airlines. These products make it easier for airlines to distribute their content outside their traditional BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan) and ARC (Airline Reporting Corporation) markets. The HR-169 product, in particular, is essential for making Southwest Airlines’ content available in countries where the airline does not have direct operations. The H1-Air and X1-Air products help streamline the booking process by allowing airlines to integrate their services into major Global Distribution Systems (GDSs). This means that travel agencies worldwide will be able to easily access Southwest’s services, making it easier for travelers across the globe to book flights.
For travel agencies, this partnership provides a significant advantage. Hahnair’s platform will allow travel agents to issue Southwest Airlines tickets in all major GDSs via the HR-169 product. Not only does this improve access to Southwest’s flights, but it also comes with valuable benefits for the agencies. Travel agents will be able to issue tickets with the reassurance of a comprehensive reimbursement policy in case of airline insolvency. Furthermore, Hahnair offers a 14-day refund policy, one ADM-waiver per rolling year, and 24/7 support to ensure smooth ticketing processes for travel agents.
Hahnair, based in Germany, is an influential player in the global airline industry. The company operates both scheduled and charter services and is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which is a key global association representing airlines. Hahnair’s fleet operates out of Düsseldorf (EDDL/DUS) and Frankfurt-Egelsbach (EDFE) airports, and its extensive global network reaches multiple regions. The company has regional offices in key international cities, including Minneapolis, Montevideo, Casablanca, New Delhi, Manila, and Johannesburg. This widespread network ensures that Hahnair’s services and distribution solutions are accessible to airlines and travel agents across the globe.
With this strategic partnership, Southwest Airlines is positioned to strengthen its presence in international markets, providing a wider range of travel options to customers while maintaining its renowned low-cost fares and high-quality service. For customers, this means easier access to Southwest Airlines’ flights from nearly anywhere in the world, with seamless booking experiences facilitated by travel agents using Hahnair’s platform.
This collaboration not only enhances Southwest Airlines’ global visibility but also supports Hahnair’s ongoing mission to simplify global airline distribution. As the world’s travel market continues to evolve, the ability to seamlessly connect airlines with customers, regardless of geography, is more important than ever. By joining forces with Hahnair, Southwest Airlines is ensuring that its customers, whether in the U.S. or abroad, have more ways than ever to experience the airline’s unique brand of hospitality, making this a milestone moment for the company’s international growth.
Overall, this interline agreement marks an important step for Southwest Airlines in solidifying its position as a leading global airline. By extending its reach through Hahnair’s global distribution system, Southwest is now more accessible to travelers worldwide, all while maintaining the signature low-cost travel experience that has made it a household name in the United States. This partnership is a testament to Southwest’s ongoing commitment to growth, customer satisfaction, and staying ahead of the competition in the ever-changing airline industry.
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