Alaska Airlines may join the transpacific joint venture with American and Japan Airlines, signaling a bold step in its long-haul international expansion plans.

Alaska Airlines is reportedly exploring the possibility of joining the transpacific joint venture currently held by American Airlines and Japan Airlines. If successful, the move would mark a bold step in Alaska’s broader push into international markets.

With long-haul ambitions already underway, the airline views this potential partnership as a key pillar for growth across the Pacific. The momentum follows Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, which has fast-tracked its overseas expansion strategy.

While Alaska already maintains partnerships with both American and Japan Airlines, entering the joint venture would enable deeper collaboration—such as synchronized flight schedules and unified fare offerings—enhancing its competitiveness on long-distance routes.

The company is undergoing a transformative shift as it prepares for its first intercontinental route between Seattle and Tokyo Narita, launching in May 2025. The flight will operate on a Hawaiian Airlines A330, symbolizing the fusion of resources between the two brands. Looking ahead, Alaska plans to introduce up to 12 long-haul routes by the end of the decade.

Still, venturing into long-haul travel presents challenges. Fleet limitations and the outdated business class configuration on Hawaiian’s A330s could hinder Alaska’s premium offering. While cabin upgrades are on the radar, the airline has yet to release a clear timeline for implementation.

Joint ventures go beyond codesharing, allowing airlines to collaborate on pricing, scheduling, and revenue sharing. This level of integration provides a competitive edge against major players like Delta and United, especially in high-demand transpacific corridors.

However, joining the joint venture isn’t guaranteed. Regulatory approval is a major hurdle, with authorities like the U.S. Department of Transportation expected to scrutinize any deal that might affect competition. U.S. airline joint ventures typically revolve around a single domestic carrier, which complicates the addition of Alaska alongside American.

There’s also the question of how American views Alaska’s role. Although the two airlines have cooperated in the past, American shelved its own long-haul plans out of Seattle—a decision that opened the door for Alaska to take the lead. Strengthening Alaska’s hub in Seattle could help challenge Delta’s growing dominance in the region, potentially making the joint venture more appealing to American from a strategic standpoint.

If the partnership is approved, Alaska could dramatically expand its transpacific footprint with new services from cities like:

• Seattle – Solidifying its main gateway to Asia
• San Francisco – Capitalizing on its West Coast reach
• Portland – Unlocking new opportunities in underserved markets
• Honolulu – Leveraging Hawaiian’s established presence in the Pacific

Integration into the joint venture could improve route performance, boost passenger loads, and reduce financial risk—key benefits as Alaska navigates the complexities of international operations.

Ultimately, Alaska Airlines is positioning itself for a more prominent role in transpacific travel. While approval isn’t guaranteed, the potential benefits of joining the joint venture are clear. If all parties align, this move could reshape Alaska’s global strategy and offer passengers greater connectivity across the Pacific.

The post American And Japan Airlines May Expand Their Joint Venture To Include Alaska Airlines, Supporting A Bold New Phase Of International Growth And Competitive Positioning appeared first on Travel And Tour World.