American Airlines and Alaska Airlines announced on September 29, 2026 that they intend for Alaska to join American's Atlantic and Pacific Joint Businesses, American's partnerships with other airlines across the Atlantic and the Pacific. It isn't done yet: the carriers expect to file for approval and antitrust immunity with the U.S. Department of Transportation, and to seek approvals from international regulators, in the coming months.
Who is in the two joint businesses
According to the airlines' announcement:
- The Atlantic Joint Business was formed in 2010 and includes American, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and LEVEL.
- The Pacific Joint Business was launched shortly after and includes American and Japan Airlines.
Alaska would join both. Alaska and Hawaiian are already members of the oneworld alliance, and the announcement says it builds on the existing relationship between Alaska, American and their oneworld partners across the Atlantic and the Pacific.
What a joint business changes
The airlines in a joint business can coordinate fares and flight schedules on the routes it covers.
Alaska's announcement frames it in terms of access. Andrew Harrison, Alaska's Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, said joining "would put Alaska on equal footing with its competitors by giving our guests more seamless access to international destinations while preserving the care, loyalty benefits and premium experience they expect from Alaska."
The airlines also say inclusion "will increase competition while delivering improved connectivity throughout the West Coast to better serve joint business customers."
What it means for Atmos Rewards members
It isn't in effect yet: the airlines still need regulatory approval, and the announcement gives no timeline. Atmos Rewards members can already earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and Alaska's other global partners. Our Atmos Rewards guide covers how that works today.
Part of a bigger push
The announcement came the same day Alaska and Hawaiian unveiled new premium experiences under the Aurora and Leihōkū names. Harrison describes Alaska Accelerate, the airline's strategy, as "building a stronger, more global airline for our guests," and calls expanding the partnership with American "an important step in that strategy." We covered the new cabins in Alaska and Hawaiian's new suites, premium economy cabin and lounges.
Sources
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