American Airlines CEO Robert Isom did little Thursday to diffuse talk of an expanded partnership with Alaska Airlines.<\/p>\n
Isom, speaking to analysts and reporters a day after Bloomberg<\/em> reported<\/span> the airlines were discussing a deeper partnership, avoided commenting directly on the news but repeatedly said American was open to more partnerships.<\/p>\n “I know they’ve been fiercely independent,” he said of Alaska. “We look forward to doing more with Alaska going forward.”<\/p>\n More from TPG: Airlines are cutting routes in response to high fuel prices \u2014 here’s the latest<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Isom added that American has a “great” relationship with the Seattle-based carrier.<\/p>\n He did not say what more they could do. Alaska and American currently have a codeshare and loyalty partnership<\/span> where both airlines place their respective codes \u2014 “AS” for Alaska and “AA” for American \u2014 on some of the other’s flights. The loyalty pact provides AAdvantage<\/span> and Atmos<\/span> members reciprocal earning and redemption on the other airlines flights, as well as select elite benefits like complimentary upgrades.<\/p>\n Both Alaska and American are also members of the Oneworld alliance.<\/p>\n What a further expansion of the partnership could like look remains to be seen. It could take the form of a joint venture where Alaska and American remain separate, independent airlines but agree to coordinate on the scheduling and pricing of flights in certain markets. A JV could include revenue and cost sharing but they require antitrust approval from regulators. American has several international JVs, including with British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines and Qantas Airways.<\/p>\n Isom dispelled thoughts of a potential merger with Alaska, saying American was focused on itself but would be at the “forefront” of any partnership or asset acquisition opportunities that arise.<\/p>\n Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter<\/p>\n Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG\u2019s experts<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/images\/EmailSignUp\/daily-mob.svg\"\/)
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