Delta to create new transborder JV with Canada’s WestJet

July 23, 2018: Delta Air Lines has signed a definitive agreement to create a comprehensive transborder joint venture arrangement with Canada’s WestJet that will offer customers an extensive route network within the US and Canada.

“Delta’s future is global and together with WestJet, we can augment the two airlines’ capabilities and bring together our strengths in this important trans-border market,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO.

“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.”

“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,” said Ed Sims, president and CEO, WestJet.

The agreement deepens the existing codeshare partnership between the carriers and follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding in December 2017 announcing the intention to form a joint venture. The joint venture will provide substantial reach into Canada and the US with transborder service to more than 30 cities covering over 95 percent of US-Canada demand, providing customers of both airlines with more travel choices than ever before.

The new JV will also enable Delta and WestJet to compete more effectively against other carriers.

Upon receipt of regulatory approvals in Canada and the US, Delta and WestJet will work together to implement all aspects of the enhanced cooperation including expanded codesharing, more closely aligned frequent flyer programme and reciprocal elite benefits, joint growth across their US/Canada transborder network, and co-location at key hubs with more seamless passenger and baggage transit.

The agreement will also include the ability to cooperate on cargo accompanying passenger flights as well as corporate contracts.

As WestJet continues its global transformation, its airline partners connect the growing WestJet network to an extensive list of international destinations.