Alaska Airlines Moves to Join American's Atlantic and Pacific Joint Businesses

Alaska Airlines has initiated the formal process to join American Airlines' Pacific joint business, which already includes Japan Airlines. This move will expand Asia-North America connectivity for travelers.

Pacific joint business overview

The Pacific joint business was launched shortly after the Atlantic model. It combines American Airlines and Japan Airlines to strengthen trans-Pacific connectivity. The Atlantic joint business has operated since 2010 and includes American, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. That partnership has delivered greater choice and a more seamless travel experience across the North Atlantic for over fifteen years.

Industry reaction and strategic rationale

Executives from partner airlines have praised Alaska's move. Ross Leggett, senior vice president of Marketing for Routes at Japan Airlines, confirmed a warm welcome. He said the expansion will strengthen the combined network and offer more travel options between Asia and North America. Julio Rodríguez Contreras, director of Commercial Strategy at IAG, stated that Alaska will strengthen the association. "Alaska fortalecerá la asociación y expandirá las opciones de viaje en ambos lados del Atlántico," he said.

Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Alaska, stated that joining the joint business would put Alaska on equal footing with competitors. It will provide smoother access to international destinations for guests. Inclusion in these international joint businesses is critical to Alaska’s ability to develop its international reach. It will increase competition while delivering improved connectivity throughout the West Coast.

Network scale and reach

The combined scale of the involved airlines is vast. Alaska Air Group serves over 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific, and Europe. Its major hubs are in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. American Airlines operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in over 60 countries. It serves more than 200 million customers annually.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group and are members of the oneworld alliance. American Airlines is a founding member of that alliance. Members of Alaska's Atmos™ Rewards loyalty program can already earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and additional global partners serving over 1,100 worldwide destinations.

The carriers anticipate filing for approval and antitrust immunity with the U.S. Department of Transportation in the coming months. They will also seek other relevant approvals from international regulators.