American Airlines plans to bring Alaska Airlines into transatlantic and transpacific joint ventures
American Airlines has said it intends to fold Alaska Airlines into its Atlantic and Pacific joint businesses, with an antitrust immunity application to the U.S. Department of Transportation expected in the coming months.
American Airlines plans to add Alaska Airlines to its transatlantic and transpacific joint ventures. The carrier said the move would widen the international route network and strengthen premium travel offerings for customers of both airlines.
The two U.S. carriers expect to file for antitrust immunity with the U.S. Department of Transportation in the coming months. Approvals from international regulators will also be required. The application has not yet been submitted.
The proposal builds on existing commercial ties between Alaska, American and their oneworld partners in both the Atlantic and Pacific basins. For Alaska Airlines, joining the agreements is a key step in developing its international reach. The airline said the arrangement would increase competition in the market and improve connectivity along the U.S. West Coast. Passengers of carriers that take part in the joint business would benefit.
The Atlantic Joint Business was set up in 2010. It currently includes American, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and LEVEL. Julio Rodríguez Contreras, chief commercial strategy officer at International Airlines Group, described Alaska Airlines as a valuable partner in comments carried in the announcement.
No timeline beyond the coming months was given for the regulatory filings.
Sources
- aviacionaldia.comAmerican Airlines anuncia planes para integrar a Alaska Airlines en sus negocios conjuntos del Atlántico y del Pacífico