Summary:
American Airlines (AA) pilots, represented by the Allied Pilot Association (APA), are opposing a new codeshare agreement with Alaska Airlines (AS) for its European routes, claiming it violates scope clauses that protect pilot jobs by prohibiting outsourcing for international flights. The APA contends that the codeshare would undermine career progression opportunities for AA pilots by allowing Alaska, post-merger with Hawaiian Airlines, to utilize new Boeing 787s for transatlantic routes without adding widebody aircraft to AA’s fleet.
Alaska Airlines plans to launch flights from Seattle to Rome, London, and Reykjavik, increasing its international presence. This expansion could boost AA’s visibility on the West Coast while maintaining a partnership strategy with Japan Airlines. However, pilots argue this move risks outsourcing opportunities and could hinder their career advancement. The situation underscores tensions between airline growth plans and labor protections.
