American Airlines is preparing for a bold West Coast expansion strategy that includes new international routes and a possible codeshare partnership with Alaska Airlines. The move comes as the U.S. aviation market faces heightened competition, especially in the transpacific and transatlantic sectors. By aligning with Alaska Airlines, American aims to tap into new opportunities in Europe while strengthening connectivity between key hubs such as Seattle, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
The initiative signals a shift in American’s international growth priorities, positioning the airline to better serve travelers from the Pacific Northwest and California—regions long dominated by rivals Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Alaska Airlines’ Bold Leap Into Europe
Alaska Airlines, historically focused on domestic flights along the West Coast, is now making a bold leap into the long-haul international market. Following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, Alaska gained access to Boeing 787 Dreamliners, enabling it to operate flights beyond its traditional domestic network.
The airline recently announced its first transatlantic service to Rome, with plans to expand to London and Reykjavik by 2026. This marks a transformative shift for Alaska, which has long held dominance at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) but lacked significant international operations.
For West Coast travelers, this development is particularly significant, offering new direct connections to Europe without having to transit through East Coast hubs.
Codeshare Partnership: A Game-Changer for Travelers
If the codeshare agreement moves forward, passengers flying American Airlines could soon book Alaska Airlines’ European routes directly under the American Airlines flight code. This would significantly expand seamless travel options, particularly from cities like Portland, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, where Alaska already maintains a strong network.
Through Alaska’s onward domestic connections and American’s global partnerships through Oneworld Alliance, travelers could gain unprecedented flexibility for both business and leisure travel.
However, the deal faces roadblocks. The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing American’s 15,000 pilots, argues that such international codesharing violates existing scope clauses—provisions in pilot contracts that protect jobs by ensuring American pilots operate the carrier’s long-haul international flights.
Pilot Contract Disputes: The Roadblock Ahead
The APA has filed two formal grievances, asserting that American’s partnership plans could erode pilot job protections. Under current contracts, domestic codeshares with Alaska are permitted, but international codeshares are prohibited.
APA president Nick Silva emphasized that outsourcing transatlantic routes undermines career progression for American’s pilots, many of whom aspire to transition from domestic to long-haul international flying. Arbitration hearings scheduled for October 2025 will determine whether American can move forward with the partnership or will need to renegotiate pilot contracts.
This legal battle echoes wider labor tensions in the aviation industry, where pilot unions are increasingly asserting influence over airline expansion strategies amid rising passenger demand.
Seattle: The New Battleground for Transatlantic Travel
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is emerging as the key battleground for U.S.-Europe connectivity. Currently, Delta Air Lines dominates SEA’s international market, with flights to London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Tokyo. Delta controls roughly 20% of total operations at the airport, compared to Alaska’s nearly 50% share of domestic flights.
If Alaska’s European expansion succeeds—and American joins through codesharing—it would challenge Delta’s stronghold on long-haul international travel from Seattle. For passengers, this would translate into lower fares, more direct flight options, and increased competition on popular transatlantic routes.
Broader Implications for U.S. and Global Aviation
The American-Alaska partnership also carries broader implications:
- For U.S. travelers: More direct flights from the West Coast to Europe could reduce dependence on East Coast hubs like New York (JFK) and Chicago (ORD).
- For tourism: Destinations such as Rome, London, and Reykjavik would see increased American tourist arrivals, benefiting local economies and hospitality industries.
- For alliances: Alaska’s membership in the Oneworld Alliance—alongside American, British Airways, and Japan Airlines—creates synergies for smoother global travel connections.
- For competition: Delta and United will likely respond with expanded offerings from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle, sparking a new wave of competition in the transatlantic market.
Looking Ahead: A Transformative 2025 for Air Travel
As global travel demand surges in post-pandemic recovery, both American and Alaska Airlines are seizing opportunities to capture market share. For travelers, the prospect of new West Coast-Europe connections means more options, greater convenience, and increased competition among airlines.
However, the outcome of the pilot contract arbitration in October 2025 will be pivotal. If the codeshare is approved, American Airlines will gain a powerful international foothold on the West Coast, while Alaska Airlines will elevate itself from a domestic powerhouse to a global competitor.
For now, travelers planning West Coast departures in 2025 should watch closely, as this potential partnership could reshape not only Seattle’s aviation market but also the broader landscape of U.S.-Europe air travel.
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