In a significant strengthening of ties, Alaska Airlines will join American Airlines’ Atlantic and Pacific Joint Businesses.
The carriers said Tuesday that they will file for approval and antitrust immunity with the U.S. Department of Transportation “in the coming months.”
Members of the two joint ventures coordinate on routes, codeshare, offer reciprocal loyalty benefits, and share revenue on certain services.
“Joining these joint businesses would put Alaska on equal footing with its competitors by giving our guests more seamless access to international destinations while preserving the care, loyalty benefits, and premium experience they expect from Alaska,” Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer, said in a news release.
The Atlantic Joint Business includes American, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus, and Spain’s Level. The Pacific Joint Business consists of American and Japan Airlines.
“We’re proud of our long-standing partnership with Alaska Airlines and excited to build on its success,” American Chief Commercial Officer Nat Pieper said in a statement. “Together, with our joint business partners in the Atlantic and Pacific, we are enhancing a global network that gives customers greater access, convenience, and choice.”
American and Alaska already offer loyalty reciprocity and are both members of the oneworld alliance, which allows codesharing and other forms of cooperation.
