Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are exploring a deeper partnership that would allow Alaska to join American's international joint ventures on transatlantic and transpacific routes. The proposal, announced on September 29, requires approval from U.S. regulators and other international authorities. For Alaska, this would mean integrating its West Coast network with American's long-haul operations, a key part of its growth strategy. The two airlines have been connected for years through the oneworld alliance, with Alaska joining in March 2021. However, joining a joint venture would represent a step beyond simple code-sharing agreements or reciprocal benefits for frequent flyers. It would allow for more coordinated commercial strategies, such as route planning and marketing, within the limits set by regulators. The initial focus is on the transatlantic joint venture formed in 2010, which includes American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. On the Pacific side, Alaska aims to join the partnership between American and Japan Airlines. "Expanding our partnership with American is an important step" in Alaska's strategy, said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines' commercial director. He added that this integration would offer customers "smoother access to international destinations." This move aligns with Alaska Air Group's efforts to position Seattle as an international gateway. The group has already launched non-stop flights to London, Rome, Reykjavik, Tokyo, and Seoul, with plans to add Paris and Athens in spring 2027. The goal is to have at least fifteen intercontinental destinations operating from Seattle by 2030. Collaborating with European and Japanese partners could help connect these routes more effectively with Alaska's West Coast network. The partnership is part of a larger transformation for Alaska Air Group. Following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, the company is expanding its long-haul capabilities, premium services, and shared loyalty program, Atmos Rewards. Joining the joint ventures would add a commercial layer to this growth, but it would not replace the routes Alaska operates independently. However, the future of the partnership remains uncertain. American and Alaska plan to submit their applications for regulatory approval and antitrust immunity to the U.S. Department of Transportation in the coming months, along with seeking other international approvals. No specific date or new routes have been announced yet. Regulatory approval will be crucial, as American's existing joint ventures already have antitrust immunity, granted alongside measures like slot allocations at London Heathrow.