Southwest joins IATA
Southwest Airlines has joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The global airlines group recently welcomed the airline as part of its members after conducting an audit in January. Airlines Geeks quoted from a company memo that stated,
“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.”
IATA has updated its website and added Southwest to the list of airlines that joined the organization in 2024 and 2025. Some other carriers that have recently been included are Nok Air, Discover Airlines, Dan Air, Electra Airways, and many others.
IATA has more than 340 airlines as its members, including all three big US legacy carriers – Delta, United, and American Airlines – and other global players like Lufthansa, British Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
IATA Operational Safety Audit completed in January
In January, Southwest announced that it had completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA). This was an important milestone as it’s one of the eligibility criteria for IATA membership. IATA Membership with full rights and privileges may only be obtained after the following:
According to the IATA website, IOSA is an internationally accepted evaluation system designed to assess an airline's operational management and control systems.
IATA oversees the accreditation of Audit Organizations and Endorsed Training Organizations, ensures the continuous development of the IOSA Standards and Recommended Practices, and manages the central database of IOSA Audit Reports.
Of course, an airline cannot get an IATA membership until it is on the IOSA registry. Southwest went through the audit recently and completed it successfully. Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security, commented,
“IOSA represents the highest global standard for airline operational safety that is respected by regulators worldwide and well-established as a cornerstone for airline partnerships. We are pleased to have Southwest onboard as part of its transformational journey as it looks to connect its Customers with more global destinations.”
Andrew Watterson, Chief Operating Officer at Southwest Airlines, said,
“Along with our robust Safety Management System and Safety Culture we already have in place, successfully completing IOSA reinforces our commitment to Safety and makes us accountable to the high standards upheld by airlines around the globe.”
Membership benefits
IATA was formed in 1945 with 57 founding members. Today, it has over 340 airlines from more than 120 countries, accounting for 80% of the world’s air traffic.
An IATA membership comes with several benefits. As stated on the organization’s website, some of these are:
Expansion of international recognition: IATA’s global voice advocates on behalf of its members on key industry issues. IATA maintains relationships with governments and other industry stakeholders around the world.
Reduced costs and improved efficiency: By participating in IATA’s settlement systems (ISS), airlines are able to contain costs, improve cash flow, and maximize efficiency.
Making new connections with industry stakeholders: Airlines get an opportunity to participate in conferences, committees, and groups such as the IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit and expand their contacts with industry leaders.
IATA has developed some global commercial aviation standards upon which the air transport industry is built. The organization states that one of its missions is to help airlines operate safely, securely, efficiently, and economically under clearly defined rules.
Through this, it also aims to increase passenger convenience while reducing costs and improving efficiency.
