Article from BTNews 17 FEBRUARY 2020
American, Alaska in new link-up
A new US West Coast international alliance between American Airlines and Alaska Airlines was announced last week with both carriers promising major benefits for passengers as a result.
The companies said the expanded relationship would see Alaska Airlines join the oneworld alliance by summer next year, which would connect its passengers to more than 1,200 destinations worldwide.
In addition, American will launch the first service from Seattle to Bangalore in October this year and a new American route from Seattle to Heathrow to begin in March 2021.
The airlines said they will continue their domestic codeshare to offer passengers hassle-free booking and travel between the two networks with the agreement expanding to include international routes from Los Angeles and Seattle.
Loyalty club members will enjoy benefits across both airlines, including the ability to earn and use miles on both networks, elite status reciprocity and access to American Admirals Club lounges worldwide and seven Alaska Lounges in the US.
American Airlines president Robert Isom said: “This strengthened alliance will give West Coast passengers more choices when traveling internationally, offer seamless access across a broader network and provide strategic growth for both airlines.”
Alaska Airlines president Ben Minicucci added: “International service to the global business and tech hubs of Heathrow and Bangalore is a tremendous win for the growing Seattle region and the West Coast.”
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