Delta and WestJet propose joint business for cross-border flights

06 DECEMBER, 2017 SOURCE: FLIGHT DASHBOARD BY: JON HEMMERDINGER BOSTON Delta Air Lines and Canadian low-cost carrier WestJet have reached an agreement to create a joint business on routes between the USA and Canada. The proposed "comprehensive transborder joint venture" would see the carriers coordinate flight schedules, launch new routes and expand an existing codeshare agreement, the carriers say on 6 December. Through the deal, Delta and WestJet also intend to make connections between their flights more convenient and more closely integrate frequent-flyer programmes. Calgary-based WestJet and Atlanta-based Delta have signed a memorandum of understanding to move forward with the plan, but formation of the joint business remains subject to final agreements and board and regulatory approval, the airlines say. "This is an important step in WestJet’s mission to become a global airline," says WestJet executive vice-president of commercial Ed Sims. The carriers do not disclose specific routes on which they hope to cooperate and do not provide a specific timeline for advancing the deal.