Southwest Airlines to Offer Mexico Service

Southwest Airlines is aiming to expand its service to Mexico with a codeshare partnership with Mexican carrier Volaris. The airlines will their codeshare flight schedules by 2010. Certain aspects of the partnership are subject to approvals by both the U.S. and Mexican governments.

"We are continuing to look for ways to expand our network through international codeshare partnerships, and we are excited to team up with Volaris to offer our customers access to attractive Mexican destinations," said Southwest Airlines Executive Vice President Strategy and Planning Bob Jordan.

Volaris currently serves 39 routes in 23 cities throughout Mexico, operating a fleet of 18 Airbus A319 and an A320 aircraft.

The airlines will yet announce routes, schedules, or fares, but will eventually allow each carrier to check both customers and baggage to a passenger's final destination. In addition, www.southwest.com will become a distribution channel for Volaris' existing Mexican and future transborder flights in the Spring of 2009, providing customers the opportunity to purchase flights on Volaris' existing flights. Other potential areas of cooperation include frequent flier options, ground handling, and cargo.