This will extend the Southwest Airlines-Coke partnership through 2011. Under the terms of the agreement, Coca-Cola North America will continue to be the beverage provider for Southwest, supplying soft drinks including Coke(R), Diet Coke(R), Sprite(R) and Sprite(R) Zero, Seagram’s(R) mixers, and Minute Maid(R) juices on all Southwest Airlines flights.

“We are pleased to continue our long-term partnership with Coca-Cola. It’s great to work with a partner who understands our Corporate Culture and operating philosophy which focuses on providing outstanding Customer Service and running an efficient airline operation,” said Scott Halfmann, Southwest Airlines’ Vice President Provisioning.

“We are proud to extend our relationship with Southwest Airlines,” said Jim Terry, Coca-Cola North America Vice President National Sales. “We look forward to continuing this great alliance.”

Coca-Cola’s market position was recently challenged when it was announced that the quick-service restaurant chain McDonald’s would begin testing the selling of Pepsi products as an option for their customers.

As reported previously on QSRMagazine.com, McDonald’s customers can purchase bottled Gatorade, Propel Fitness Water, Lipton Iced Tea, and Tropicana Orange Juice. Mountain Dew bottles are being served in select Texas stores. Pepsi and Diet Pepsi are not involved in the test.