Delta Air Lines and Westjet have signed an agreement to create a trans-border joint venture (JV) that will offer passengers a route network across the US and Canada.
The airlines already have a codeshare agreement in place and both say the JV will deepen their existing partnership.
The JV will provide service to more than 30 cities, covering more than 95 per cent of US-Canada demand, according to Delta.
Once they receive regulatory approval in both countries, Delta and Westjet will expand their codesharing agreement, bring more close alignment to their frequent flyer programmes and reciprocal elite benefits, grow their networks together and co-locate at key hubs to allow ‘more seamless’ passenger and baggage transit. The agreement will also see the airlines work together on cargo accompanying passenger flights, as well as corporate contracts.
Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, commented: “Combined, we will be able to offer more destinations to customers with an integrated network, superior airline products, improved airport connections and significantly enhanced frequent flyer benefits.”
Ed Sims, president and CEO of Westjet, added: “Working together with Delta, the premier US carrier, we are looking forward to providing enhanced offerings and more choice for guests. The joint venture will allow us to maximise our existing partnership with Delta to benefit customers by bringing greater competition to the trans-border market.”
delta.com; westjet.com