by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:31 PM ET, Fri July 20, 2018
Delta Air Lines announced a new deal with WestJet Thursday that will create a comprehensive transborder joint venture offering customers an extensive route network within the United States and Canada.
Delta and WestJet already had an existing codeshare partnership and signed a memorandum of understanding in December 2017 to form the joint venture. The transborder service to more than 30 cities will provide customers with more travel choices than ever before.
"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," Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement. "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. The JV will provide an unmatched passenger experience for customers traveling between the U.S. and Canada."
Once the two airlines get regulatory approval in the U.S. and Canada, Delta and WestJet will work together to expanded codesharing, align their frequent flyer programs and grow the success of both brands with more seamless passenger and baggage transit.
"WestJet continues its drive toward becoming a global airline, and the signing of this agreement marks a major milestone in that journey," WestJet CEO Ed Sims said. "Working together with Delta, the premier U.S. carrier, we are looking forward to providing enhanced offerings and more choice for guests. The joint venture will allow us to maximize our existing partnership with Delta to benefit customers by bringing greater competition to the trans-border market."
The new partnership is just the latest for Delta, which already boasts joint ventures with other airlines in Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia and now Canada. As for WestJet, the agreement helps grow the carrier's network of international destinations.
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