Prime Highlights
- Alaska Airlines plans to join American’s Atlantic and Pacific joint businesses to give travelers more international routes and options.
- American and Alaska will seek U.S. Transportation Department approval, antitrust immunity and foreign regulator clearance in the coming months.
Key Facts-
- The Atlantic group formed in 2010 with American, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and LEVEL.
- The Pacific group links American with Japan Airlines and is celebrating 15 years of partnership together.
Background-
Alaska Airlines wants a seat in American Airlines‘ Atlantic and Pacific joint ventures, and both carriers say the move would give travelers more routes and options abroad.
The two airlines plan to ask the U.S. Department of Transportation for approval and antitrust immunity in the coming months. They also expect to seek sign-off from regulators in other countries. The proposal grows out of the ties Alaska and American already share with fellow oneworld members.
Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s chief commercial officer, called the plan a key part of the Alaska Accelerate strategy. He said it would put Alaska on level ground with rivals while protecting the service and loyalty perks its guests value.
American’s chief commercial officer, Nat Pieper, said the carrier values its long relationship with Alaska and wants to expand on it.
The Atlantic Joint Business dates to 2010. Its members are American, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and LEVEL. Julio Rodríguez Contreras of International Airlines Group said the alliance has improved connections and choice across the North Atlantic for more than 15 years, and Alaska would add to that.
The Pacific Joint Business followed soon after and links American with Japan Airlines. Ross Leggett of Japan Airlines said the deal arrives as the partners mark 15 years together, and Alaska would open more paths between Asia and North America.
The carriers say joining would help Alaska build its global network, add competition and improve West Coast connections.
