American Pilots Oppose AA Codeshare on Alaska’s New 787 Europe Routes

(SEATTLE) American Airlines pilots escalated a fast-moving labor clash on August 16, formally objecting to a plan that would place the AA code on Alaska Airlines’ new Boeing 787 long-haul routes to Europe from Seattle. The Allied Pilots Association (APA) says the proposed codeshare violates the union’s scope clause and could shift international flying away from American Airlines crews just as Alaska Airlines begins transatlantic service with 787-9 Dreamliners.

The dispute lands as Alaska builds a long-haul hub in Seattle and seeks government approval for an expanded network. The APA warns the move could undermine jobs and bargaining power; American Airlines says the plan fits its alliance strategy and expands customer choice. Alaska frames the shift as natural growth from its home base and a deepening partnership with oneworld carriers.

Union objection and company responses

According to the APA:

“Placing the AA code on Alaska’s new 787 Europe flights is a clear violation of our scope protections and undermines our jobs and bargaining power.”

The union has said that if American proceeds it will:
– Pursue grievances
– Seek arbitration if needed

American Airlines’ response:
– The plan is consistent with its alliance strategy
– It “delivers more choice and connectivity for customers”

Alaska Airlines’ leadership response:
– Framed as natural hub growth and network evolution
– CEO: “This is our hub, and our expansion into Europe is a natural evolution of our network and our partnership with American and British Airways.”

Routes involved and commercial mechanics

At the center of the dispute are Alaska’s new long-haul routes operated by 787-9 Dreamliners:
– Daily, year-round Seattle–London service
– Seattle–Rome, launching in fall 2025
– Seattle–Seoul, beginning on September 12, 2025
– Tokyo service is also in planning

If the codeshare is approved:
– American would place its AA flight numbers on Alaska-operated flights
– AAdvantage members could book these flights, earn miles, and enjoy elite perks through the oneworld alliance

This tie-up could quickly reshape West Coast options for transatlantic and transpacific travel if regulators and carriers proceed.

Scope clause vs. alliance growth

The APA’s scope clause aims to keep international widebody flying with American pilots when those crews are available to operate the routes. The union argues that allowing a partner to carry the AA code on brand-new 787 Europe flights crosses a clear line.

Key union concerns:
– Preventing outsourcing of work union members can perform
– Avoiding a precedent that could spread across the network

Analyst perspective:
– This could be a test case for how U.S. carriers balance alliance expansion with labor protections.
– VisaVerge.com warns: without clear settlements, scope disputes can escalate into broader labor fights or trigger contract reopeners.

Airlines’ rationale:
– For American: codesharing extends reach on the West Coast without committing planes and crews to new routes and offers loyalty benefits.
– For Alaska: positioning as growing internationally from Seattle and partnering with oneworld carriers is part of normal network evolution.

Routes, fleet, and regulatory timing

Alaska’s fleet and expansion plans:
– Four 787s flying today
– Plans for up to 17 Dreamliners for a global network centered on Seattle
– New long‑haul push includes Seattle–London, Seattle–Rome (fall 2025), and Seattle–Seoul (September 12, 2025)

Operational and regulatory milestones:
– A new pilot base in Seattle scheduled to open in spring 2026
– Pilots from the recently integrated Hawaiian Airlines are training on the 787
– All new international flights require government approvals, including review by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration 🇺🇸

DOT policy context:
– Readers can find DOT policy context here: https://www.transportation.gov/policy/aviation-policy/international-aviation

One key regulatory milestone:
– Issuance of a single operating certificate by the FAA for combined operations, expected in fall 2025, which ties to the launch of the Rome flight and other 787 services.

Potential timing risks:
– Any APA arbitration or legal filing could add uncertainty and delay, even if it doesn’t halt the regulatory process.

What this means for travelers and workers

For passengers:
– If the codeshare is approved:
– Customers could book Alaska’s 787 Europe flights on American Airlines flight numbers
– They could earn AAdvantage miles and use reciprocal elite benefits
– Results in simpler bookings and more through-checking for many itineraries
– If the codeshare is blocked:
– Travelers may need to book directly with Alaska Airlines or other oneworld partners
– Could reduce seamless connections and complicate mileage accrual for some itineraries

For pilots and labor:
– American pilots fear:
– Loss of flying opportunities
– Weakening of contract guardrails if a partner operates high-profile long-haul routes under the AA code
– Alaska pilots see:
– Growth opportunities
– New training slots
– Long-haul career prospects tied to the expanding 787 operation in Seattle

Industry-wide implications:
– If scope clauses remain firm, carriers may focus on joint ventures or operating their own metal on contested routes
– If codeshares on new long-haul flying become common, unions might push to rewrite scope language to close gaps

Possible near-term outcomes

Regulatory and negotiation paths likely include:
1. Negotiation between carriers and the APA to find carve-outs or conditional agreements
2. Delays to certain market launches or the timing of codeshare implementation
3. Formal grievances and arbitration timelines if negotiations fail
4. Regulatory hearings and potential courtroom dates in Seattle and beyond

Important: Labor contracts can override alliance arrangements in the U.S. The APA has signaled it will use all available tools to defend scope protections.

Stakes in Seattle

• Alaska Airlines aims to cement Seattle as a global gateway with 787‑9 Dreamliners on marquee routes to London, Rome, Seoul, and Tokyo.
• American Airlines wants to retain customers and expand West Coast choices without redeploying its own widebodies.
• The APA insists scope protections must be honored to protect jobs and bargaining strength.

All sides now brace for fall launches, hearings, and possible legal actions in Seattle and beyond.