Alaska Airlines to join trans-Pacific/trans-Atlantic joint ventures, unveils new premium cabin products

Alaska Airlines Group (referred to Alaska, comprised of Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines) have announced plans to join fellow US-based oneworld carrier American Airlines’ Pacific and Atlantic Joint Ventures. The airline also announced investments to upgrade its inflight experiences onboard its Boeing 787s, new 737 MAX 10, and its Hawaii-based Airbus A330s.

Both Alaska and American Airlines expect to file for approval and antitrust immunity for Alaska to join the trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic joint ventures with the US Department of Transportation (USDOT), along with filings with other relevant international regulators.

Alaska will be the seventh member of the American’s Atlantic joint venture which was formed in 2010, which includes British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. American’s trans-Pacific joint venture partner is Tokyo-based oneworld member carrier Japan Airlines (JAL). 

Image: Alaska Airlines to join American's trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic joint ventures. Credit: Alaska Airlines Group

Aurora and Leihōkū

Separately, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian have unveiled their new flagship inflight experiences: Aurora and Leihōkū. The airline group will also introduce a new Premium Economy cabin in 2028 named Premium Reserve onboard Alaska’s 787s, select 737 MAX 10s, and Hawaii-based A330s.

The new Aurora Suites on Alaska’s 787s and the 737 MAX 10s is what the airline describes as its next evolution of international business class and select transcontinental first class flights. Featuring a fully lie-flat bed, direct aisle access, and privacy doors, each seat will be made with new premium materials offering some of the industry’s most spacious suites. Passengers can enjoy inflight entertainment on a 19-inch 4k screen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless and USB-C charging and AC power.

Image: Alaska Airlines Aurora Suites. Credit: Alaska Airlines Group

Alaska Airlines said there will be 34 lie-flat Aurora Suites onboard all its 787s, and 12 onboard 25 737 MAX 10s. It will be introduced in 2028, increasing the premium seating on the 787-9s from 38% today to 46%.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Leihōkū will be featured on the Hawaii-based fleet of 24 A330s used on flights to Asia, Oceania, and select cities in North America starting in 2028. Part of a broader upgrade of the inflight experiences onboard the A330s, it will feature 22 enhanced suites and increase the premium seating on the aircraft from the current 30% to 40%.

Each of the Leihōkū Suites will feature direct aisle access and privacy doors, along with hotel-quality bedding and enhanced onboard amenities. Each suite will also have a 19-inch 4K entertainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless and USB-C charging and AC power.

Image: Alaska Airlines Leihōkū Suites on Hawaii-based A330s. Credit: Alaska Airlines Group

Premium Reserve

Image: Alaska Airlines Premium Reserve seats. Credit: Alaska Airlines Group

The Alaska Airlines Group will also introduce its new Premium Reserve seats starting in 2028 across Alaska and Hawaiian aircraft. 38 seats will be featured on the 787s, 28 on the A330, and 12 on the 737 MAX 10.

Each of the Premium Reserve seats will have a 38-inch pitch and wider seat, enhanced recline, and a leg and calf rest. With a 16-inch 5K OLED scren with Bluetooth connectivity, passengers can also use AC power and USB-C charging ports.

In addition to the new cabin products, Alaska Airlines also announced plans to open new lounges in Seattle (Alaska Lounge, Aurora Lounge), Honolulu, and San Diego.