Calgary-based WestJet and Delta Air Lines announced on Thursday that their proposed U.S.-Canada transborder joint venture has received clearance under Canada’s Competition Act from the Canadian Competition Bureau.
The airlines said the bureau issued a no-action letter confirming that it doesn’t intend to challenge the proposed joint venture agreement between WestJet and Delta.
Ed Sims
“Today’s clearance by the CCB is an important step towards satisfying the conditions necessary to implement the proposed WestJet-Delta transborder joint venture,” said Ed Sims, WestJet president and CEO, in a news release. “We thank the CCB for its timely and thorough review. The joint venture will lead to more consumer choice, connectivity, and economic benefits on both sides of the border by growing U.S.-Canada business and tourism travel.”
The companies said the proposed joint venture is still subject to regulatory approval from the Department of Transportation in the United States.
Upon receipt of all regulatory clearances or approvals, the new joint venture will enable Delta and WestJet to deepen their existing partnership with expanded codesharing, reciprocal elite frequent flyer benefits, optimized growth across the U.S.-Canada transborder networks, and co-location at key hubs with initiatives designed to deliver a more seamless guest experience. The partners will also begin implementing joint sales and marketing activities and increase belly cargo co-operation, they said.
“This significant achievement brings us closer to implementing a joint venture that provides a world-class experience for customers travelling between the U.S. and Canada,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO. “The joint venture between Delta and WestJet will create an expanded network with more frequencies and destinations, improved airport connections and significantly enhanced frequent flyer benefits.”
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