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 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.

A321neo Aeroflot
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 to Russian airlines has forced S7 Airlines to cancel flights to 16 European cities through to March 13. The US is yet to close its airspace to Russian airlines. American Airlines does not fly to Russia or currently use its airspace.

Simple Flying has approached American Airlines for further details of their paused interline agreements with both Russian airlines. The oneworld airline alliance has 14 member airlines, including Europe-based Finnair and Iberia, and UK-based British Airways. Other globally recognized member airlines include Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.

a320neo-s7-airlines-take-off
S7 has been unable to access aircraft or parts manufactured by either Airbus or Boeing, nor has it been able to keep contracts with any Europe-based lessors for new aircraft. Photo: Airbus

S7 Airlines is still a oneworld member

Simple Flying also reached out to oneworld regarding S7 Airlines' ongoing membership in the alliance but has not heard back before the publication deadline. However, there has been no public announcement regarding any membership pause and S7 Airlines remains a full member according to the alliance's website.

But some airlines are taking matters into their own hands. Seattle-based oneworld member Alaska Airlines also moved on Tuesday to put its partnerships with Russian airlines on ice.

"We are deeply concerned by the humanitarian crisis taking place in Ukraine. As a result, we are temporarily suspending our partnership with the Russian airline S7, a fellow oneworld member," an Alaska Airlines statement reads.

"Starting March 1, our guests will not be able to earn miles on S7. Our ongoing work to enable redemptions on S7 will also stop. Alaska Airlines has also suspended its limited interline relationships with S7 and Aeroflot, the largest carrier in Russia."