Dallas-based American Airlines has paused its interline agreements with Aeroflot and S7 Airlines as part of the global pushback against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. American’s decision follows Delta Air Lines suspending its partnership with fellow SkyTeam member Aeroflot. Both American Airlines and Novosibirsk headquartered S7 Airlines are members of the oneworld alliance.
American’s partnerships with Aeroflot & S7 Airlines paused
American Airlines announced the suspension on Tuesday. Given Aeroflot’s membership in SkyTeam and its inbuilt connection with Delta, American’s interline agreement with Aeroflot is slightly unusual. But the partnership is one of more than 100 agreements Aeroflot maintains with airlines around the world. However, that tally may be shrinking fast as airlines scramble to cut ties with Russia.
An interline agreement is a relationship between airlines that allows one airline sells services to a customer that are provided by another airline. Interline agreements let airlines to sell itineraries that they would otherwise not be able to serve alone. For example, until Tuesday, Aeroflot could sell a Moscow-New York-Kansas City ticket knowing their American Airlines partner would cover the US leg.
American Airlines has suspended its interline agreement with Aeroflot (pictured). Photo: Airbus
American’s oneworld buddy is now out in the cold
American’s partnership with S7 Airlines is slightly more complex owing to their oneworld memberships. Not only can either airline sell tickets to fly on the other airline, but both airlines also recognize the other’s frequent flyers and offer points earning and redemption opportunities.
On American’s website, the airline continues to call S7 Airlines a leading Russian carrier. “When you fly on S7 Airlines, you can earn and redeem AAdvantage miles, plus, enjoy the benefits of your AAdvantage status,” it adds.
The closure of EU airspace…