Alaska Airlines tries to shore up its international partnership strategy

Partnering with other airlines has been an important part of Alaska Air's strategy for many years. This strategy has included working with domestic competitors, but also with a sizable collection of international carriers. Alaska Air highlighted its international partnerships as a key source of revenue synergies when it decided to acquire its smaller rival Virgin America 2 years ago. However, it has been losing international partners at a steady clip since the merger was announced, mainly because of a falling out with Delta Air Lines. Alaska Airlines struck back this week, announcing a new interline and frequent flier agreement with Aer Lingus. Nevertheless, Alaska needs to keep working to find new international partners to offset the loss of others that are cutting ties with the carrier. <br/>