Alaska Airlines plans to join joint business agreements with American, British Airways and Finnair

Alaska Airlines is set to join two commercial partnerships and revenue-sharing agreements, according to an announcement made with American Airlines. The carrier intends to become a member of the Atlantic Joint Business and the Pacific Joint Business.

In a statement, Alaska said it anticipates filing for approval and antitrust immunity with the US Department of Transportation, along with seeking approvals from other international regulators, in the coming months. The Atlantic Joint Business, formed in 2010, includes American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and LEVEL, coordinating transatlantic operations. The Pacific Joint Business, established shortly after, currently involves American Airlines and Japan Airlines on trans-Pacific routes.

Alaska's Executive Vice President and CCO Andrew Harrison said the move would place the airline on equal footing with competitors by giving customers more access to international destinations, while maintaining loyalty benefits and premium experience. American's CCO Nat Pieper welcomed the development, saying the partnership enhances a global network with greater access, convenience and choice.

The announcement builds on Alaska's existing relationship with American and their oneworld alliance.