Japan Airlines Plans Trans-Pacific Expansion with Alaska Group

Japan Airlines is exploring the possibility of expanding its trans-Pacific joint venture with American Airlines to include Alaska Air Group, according to an executive familiar with the discussions. Senior Vice President for Route Marketing and Managing Executive Officer Ross Leggett revealed to the Japanese digital aviation portal Traicy that talks are underway, and while challenges remain, there is optimism about reaching a point where a formal announcement can be made. This potential expansion would mark a significant shift in the structure of the existing partnership between Japan Airlines and American Airlines, a relationship that has been in place since 2011.

The current joint venture covers 16 designated routes between Japan and the United States, with Japan Airlines operating ten and American Airlines six. In addition, the agreement extends to intra-Asian routes—excluding India—and also includes domestic services in Japan and the United States, as well as routes in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands that connect into these core trans-Pacific flights. Both carriers are members of the Oneworld alliance, a factor that has helped streamline operations and enhance connectivity across the vast network of partner airlines. By incorporating Alaska Air Group into this framework, the hope is to further enhance route options and customer service offerings across the Pacific.

Alaska Air Group is a US holding company that owns Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, both of which have established operations in key markets. Japan Airlines currently maintains a codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines that facilitates the sharing of airline codes on flights between Japan and the US West Coast, as well as on certain domestic routes operated by Japan Airlines. Similarly, Japan Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have an existing codeshare that allows for the integration of their services on flights between Hawaii and Japan. The inclusion of Alaska Air Group into the trans-Pacific joint venture could provide additional benefits to passengers by creating a more seamless travel experience, expanding connectivity, and potentially offering greater flexibility in flight schedules and route combinations.

Although Alaska Airlines and American Airlines did not provide detailed comments on the matter, both carriers emphasized their ongoing commitment to improving the customer experience. This sentiment is echoed by Japan Airlines’ proactive approach in seeking to integrate new partners into its existing arrangements. The potential move comes at a time when airlines are under increasing pressure to offer more comprehensive and competitive services in a rapidly evolving global travel market.

The expanded partnership would not only require adjustments within the joint venture’s operational framework, but it would also need to secure approvals from antitrust regulators in both Japan and the United States. This oversight is critical to ensure that the expanded venture meets regulatory requirements and continues to serve the interests of consumers by promoting fair competition. The approval process could present hurdles, but stakeholders remain hopeful that any challenges can be overcome in due course.

With the US Department of Justice recently clearing the way for Alaska Air Group to acquire Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, the stage is set for an even broader integration. The inclusion of Hawaiian Airlines in the discussions reinforces the strategic potential of this expanded alliance, highlighting a future where enhanced connectivity and streamlined services create new opportunities for trans-Pacific travel. As negotiations progress, industry observers will be watching closely to see how these changes might reshape the competitive landscape across the Pacific region.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com