JAL and AA Consider Adding Alaska Airlines Group to Joint Venture

Ross Leggett, Managing Executive Officer of Japan Airlines (JAL), expressed the intention to include Alaska Airlines Group in the trans-Pacific joint venture between JAL and American Airlines.

Leggett, Senior Vice President of Route Marketing and Sales, said, “There are obviously challenges, but once we come to the stage where we can make a solid announcement,” and described it as “very positive.” Regarding the possibility of JAL’s low-cost carrier (LCC) subsidiary, ZIPAIR Tokyo, participating, he stated, “We do not have a system to have discussions,” and did not mention the possibility, adding “even if there is a way of thinking, it is still far ahead.”

Hawaiian Airlines, acquired by Alaska Airlines Group in September 2024, will launch the Tokyo/Narita to Seattle route in May. Alaska Airlines joined the same airline alliance, oneworld, as JAL and joint venture partner American Airlines in March 2021.

JAL and Alaska Airlines began their partnership in June 2016. They have been implementing code-sharing operations, such as on the Tokyo/Narita to Seattle route launched by JAL in March 2019 and on Alaska Airlines’ domestic routes in the United States.

JAL and American Airlines launched their joint venture in April 2011, undertaking schedule adjustments, fare harmonization, and joint marketing activities.