United Airlines and Air New Zealand have agreed to operate a joint venture on routes across the Pacific.
The deal will see both Star Alliance members sharing revenue as well as co-ordinating sales and marketing campaigns on routes between the US and New Zealand.
The arrangement, which will have to be approved by regulators, is due to begin when United launches its new route between San Francisco and Auckland on July 1.
Jim Compton, United's chief revenue officer, said: “This joint venture will allow us to work more closely with Air New Zealand to optimise our transpacific schedules and offer more convenient flight choices to our customers in both the US and New Zealand.”
Air New Zealand currently operates flights to five North American destinations including San Francisco, Los Angeles and Houston.
The two airlines plan to “further enhance” their loyalty programmes as “their partnership grows”.
Christopher Luxon, Air New Zealand's CEO, added: “Air New Zealand is delighted to be working even more closely with our long standing partner to further grow the potential of the US market.”