SEATTLE- Alaska Airlines (AS) is reportedly in discussions to join the transpacific joint venture between American Airlines (AA) and Japan Airlines (JL). If successful, this would mark a significant shift in Alaska’s international expansion strategy.
The airline is already planning new long-haul routes, and this partnership could provide crucial support for its Pacific ambitions.
Photo: Alaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines Transpacific Joint Venture
Alaska’s recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines (HA) has accelerated its long-haul expansion plans. While Alaska has an existing partnership with American Airlines (AA) and Japan Airlines (JL), joining the joint venture would offer deeper collaboration, including coordinated schedules and fare structures.
Alaska Air Group (AS) is undergoing a major transformation following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines (HA).
The airline is set to launch its first long-haul flight from Seattle (SEA) to Tokyo Narita (NRT) in May 2025, utilizing a Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330.
With a goal of introducing 12 long-haul routes by 2030, Alaska is actively positioning itself as a competitive player in transpacific travel.
Despite this ambitious expansion, long-haul operations can be challenging without strategic support.
Alaska’s current fleet configuration presents some hurdles, particularly the outdated 2-2-2 business class layout on Hawaiian Airlines’ A330s. While the airline has signaled plans for cabin upgrades, no specifics have been announced yet.
According to One Mile At A Time, the potential joint venture with American Airlines and Japan Airlines would provide Alaska with critical advantages.
Joint ventures allow airlines to coordinate flight schedules, fares, and revenue sharing, making it easier to compete with dominant carriers like United Airlines (UA) and Delta Air Lines (DL).
Unlike simple codeshare agreements, joint ventures offer deeper integration, improving efficiency and market competitiveness.
Photo: American AirlinesRegulatory Challenges
While the benefits of the joint venture are clear, regulatory approval remains uncertain. Joint ventures require extensive scrutiny, as they involve revenue sharing and coordination that could impact competition.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and other regulatory bodies will play a crucial role in determining whether this agreement moves forward.
Historically, US airline joint ventures have been structured with a single domestic carrier in each alliance.
In this case, American Airlines is already part of the transpacific joint venture with Japan Airlines. Adding Alaska could dilute American’s role, making its approval less certain.
However, American may see strategic benefits in strengthening Alaska’s presence against competitors like Delta and United.
American previously planned to expand its own long-haul service from Seattle, leveraging Alaska’s domestic network for regional connectivity.
However, this strategy was abandoned, leaving a gap that Alaska is now attempting to fill.
Strengthening Alaska’s position in Seattle could help counter Delta’s growing dominance in the region, potentially making American more receptive to the joint venture proposal.
Photo: Clément AlloingAlaska’s Future Routes
If Alaska gains approval to join the joint venture, it could significantly expand its transpacific network. The airline could introduce new flights from key hubs such as:
- Seattle (SEA) – Strengthening its primary transpacific gateway.
- San Francisco (SFO) – Leveraging its West Coast presence.
- Portland (PDX) – Tapping into underserved Pacific demand.
- Honolulu (HNL) – Utilizing Hawaiian Airlines’ existing infrastructure.
By integrating into the joint venture, Alaska could benefit from enhanced market access, better load factors, and reduced financial risk compared to launching long-haul routes independently.
Photo: By Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281) – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=81045964Conclusion
Alaska Airlines is actively exploring the possibility of joining the transpacific joint venture with American and Japan Airlines.
While regulatory challenges exist, the partnership could provide Alaska with crucial support as it expands its international footprint.
If approved, this move would enhance Alaska’s ability to compete in the Pacific market, strengthen its position in Seattle, and offer passengers more seamless travel options across Asia.
Whether American fully supports this shift remains to be seen, but strategically, both airlines may find mutual benefits in countering competition from Delta and United.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
American Airlines Launches New York to Tokyo Haneda Flights
The post Alaska Airlines Eyes Transpacific JV with American and Japan Airlines in 2025 appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
