REYKJAVIK- Icelandair (FI) and Southwest Airlines (WN) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to launch a bilateral partnership in 2025.
This collaboration will enable seamless connections between the two carriers’ networks, with Icelandair becoming Southwest’s first airline partner.
Icelandair Southwest Partnership
The alliance expands Icelandair’s market presence and bolsters its already robust route network. Currently, Icelandair serves 34 European and 17 North American destinations, including Baltimore-Washington, which will serve as the initial North American gateway for the partnership.
Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s President and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement. He emphasized the partnership’s potential to create exciting travel options for customers and open Icelandair’s extensive European network to Southwest passengers.
Bogason highlighted the strategic importance of expanding Icelandair’s global partnership network, focusing on airlines known for exceptional service and connectivity.
Ryan Green, Southwest’s Executive Vice President of Commercial Transformation, underscored the shared values of warm hospitality and value in air travel that underpin the partnership.
He noted that the collaboration would extend Southwest’s global reach beyond its current 120 destinations in North America. Green expressed gratitude for the confidence and enthusiasm that has fostered this transatlantic alliance.
New Destination Unlocked: Nashville
Icelandair expands its route network by adding Nashville (BNA), Tennessee as its 18th North American destination. The airline will operate four weekly flights to Nashville from May 16, 2025, through October, complementing its existing 34 European destinations.
Nashville, renowned as Music City, offers visitors a rich blend of musical heritage, culture, and cuisine. The city stands as the global capital of country music while also boasting a diverse music scene encompassing pop, rock, gospel, and jazz.
Iconic venues like RCA Studio B, known as the “Home of 1,000 Hits,” showcase the recording history of legendary artists such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Roy Orbison, and The Everly Brothers.
This announcement follows Icelandair’s disclosure of an upcoming bilateral partnership with Southwest Airlines. Baltimore (BWI) will serve as the initial North American gateway for this collaboration, with plans to include additional destinations in the future.
Bogi Nils Bogason, Icelandair’s president and CEO, expressed enthusiasm about the new Nashville route. He highlighted the benefits for travelers from the Southeast, offering improved access to Iceland and European destinations.
Bogason also emphasized the expanded options for passengers from Iceland and Europe connecting through Nashville to other U.S. locations.
The new service aims to enhance travel opportunities in both directions. Icelandair encourages passengers traveling to Europe to consider an Icelandair Stopover, allowing them to explore Iceland en route to their final destination.
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