The codeshare relationship, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will allow American Airlines to place its AA* code on WestJet flights, and WestJet to place its WS* code on flights of American Airlines and American Eagle.

The placement of AA* code on WestJet flights will provide American's customers seamless connecting service to up to 20 Canadian cities not currently served by American or American Eagle.

WestJet will initially place its WS* code on American or American Eagle flights from Canada to Chicago and Boston, with expanded service throughout the American Airlines network expected in the near future.

The codeshare agreement will make it easier and more convenient for customers to connect from WestJet to American's global route network and from American to WestJet's Canadian operations.

Members of the American Airlines AAdvantage program and WestJet's Frequent Guest Program will be able to earn miles or rewards on the codeshare flights, providing customers another benefit of the enhanced relationship.

The two airlines are exploring other ways to augment their cooperation in the future.

Virasb Vahidi, chief commercial officer of American Airlines, said: “Our codeshare with WestJet will further expand our North American network and provide our customers seamless connections to and from cities throughout Canada.

“As a valuable result of NAFTA economic integration and the open skies aviation agreement between Canada and the US, Canada has become an ever more important business and leisure destination for travelers from the US.”

Hugh Dunleavy, executive vice-president for strategy and planning at WestJet, said: “This agreement with American Airlines marks an important milestone in WestJet's history. WestJet is executing our strategic plan to evolve our interline and codeshare capabilities, and in particular, these initial routes should immediately enhance our reach and value proposition to business and corporate travelers in central Canada in particular.”

Will the deal benefit the airlines?

Have your say and discuss with your peers on the InfoGrok community.

Participate by posting your comments now.