Japan, Canada, and US To See Expanded Airline Ties As JAL Eyes Alaska Air Group For Joint Venture

Published on March 24, 2025

Japan, Canada, and the US are set for expanded airline ties, with Japan Airlines exploring a joint venture with Alaska Air Group to enhance connectivity and collaboration.

Japan Airlines plans expansion of trans-Pacific joint venture to include Alaska Air Group.

Japan Airlines (JAL) is exploring the possibility of expanding its long-standing trans-Pacific joint venture with American Airlines to include Alaska Air Group, in a move that could significantly deepen ties between leading carriers across the Pacific. Ross Leggett, Japan Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Route Marketing and Managing Executive Officer, revealed in an interview with Japanese aviation media outlet Traicy that talks are well underway and progressing steadily.

The proposed expansion comes at a time when airline alliances are becoming increasingly crucial in offering passengers greater network reach and seamless travel experiences. Japan Airlines and American Airlines first launched their joint venture in 2011, creating a close-knit trans-Pacific alliance that has since allowed both carriers to coordinate operations across 16 specific routes between Japan and the United States. Of those routes, 10 are currently operated by JAL and six by American Airlines. The partnership also covers connecting flights within the U.S., Japan, and select parts of Asia (excluding India), as well as in Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Alaska Air Group, a U.S.-based holding company, owns and operates Alaska Airlines and, more recently, Hawaiian Airlines. The potential inclusion of Alaska Air Group in the joint venture reflects the growing strategic importance of the U.S. West Coast and the Pacific region in general. Japan Airlines already has an established codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines, which allows the two carriers to sell seats on each other’s flights, primarily on routes connecting Japan to key cities on the U.S. West Coast. In addition, Alaska Airlines’ extensive domestic network within the United States feeds into JAL’s trans-Pacific services, improving connectivity for passengers traveling between Asia and North America.

The relationship between Japan Airlines and Alaska Airlines further strengthened when Alaska joined the Oneworld alliance in 2021, aligning itself more closely with JAL and American Airlines. Although the current codeshare agreement between JAL and Alaska is more limited than the full joint venture arrangement with American, it laid the groundwork for deeper integration.

Another important piece of the puzzle is Hawaiian Airlines. The U.S. Department of Justice gave its approval in 2024 for Alaska Air Group to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, a move that expands Alaska’s reach into the Pacific and introduces new opportunities for cross-border partnerships. Japan Airlines already has a codeshare agreement with Hawaiian Airlines, enabling both companies to market and sell flights between Japan and Hawaii operated by either carrier. If Alaska Air Group joins the joint venture, both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines would be expected to take part in the expanded agreement, potentially transforming the scope of the alliance.

The proposed expansion is still subject to regulatory review and must receive approval from antitrust authorities in both Japan and the United States. These approvals will be critical, as joint ventures of this nature allow for close coordination on pricing, scheduling, and revenue sharing—elements that can raise competition concerns without proper oversight.

If successful, the integration of Alaska Air Group into the joint venture would represent a significant milestone in trans-Pacific aviation. It would provide passengers with more choices, better connectivity, and streamlined travel options between Japan, the U.S. mainland, and Hawaii. For Japan Airlines, the move strengthens its presence in North America. For Alaska Air Group, it opens up greater access to the Asian market and solidifies its status as a major player in the trans-Pacific air travel landscape.

In an increasingly interconnected world, alliances like this one are becoming essential tools for airlines to maintain competitiveness, expand reach, and enhance the passenger experience. The industry will be watching closely as Japan Airlines, American Airlines, and Alaska Air Group continue their discussions—and take the next steps toward a broader, more powerful partnership.