Southwest Airlines joins IATA Schedule Data Exchange Programme

Southwest participation expands IATA schedule data initiative

Southwest Airlines has joined the Schedule Data Exchange Programme (SDEP) led by the International Air Transport Association, bringing the number of participating airlines to 190.

Launched in late 2023, the programme is designed to create an airline-owned database for schedule data and minimum connecting time exceptions. Such data supports key airline functions including network planning, slot coordination and interline agreements.

The programme now covers more than 70% of available seat kilometres (ASKs) from airlines based in Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with expectations of reaching around 90% global coverage by the end of 2026.

A central feature of the initiative is its “give-to-get” model, where airlines contribute their own schedule data in exchange for access to a broader global dataset. This includes information on flight schedules, aircraft types, cabin configurations and cargo capacity, supporting internal analysis and planning.

The programme is governed by participating airlines and operates in accordance with competition and antitrust regulations. It also follows established data security and privacy standards.

Frederic Leger, Senior Vice President, Products and Services at IATA, said the programme is intended to give airlines greater control over shared schedule data while improving its reliability and security. He added that Southwest’s participation contributes to strengthening the dataset and may encourage further airline involvement.

Daniel Jones, Vice President of Network Planning at Southwest Airlines, noted that schedule data plays an important role in airline planning, and said participation in a shared, industry-led dataset supports collaboration across carriers.

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