American Airlines and WestJet Airlines on Tuesday announced they have entered into an interline agreement that will expand American Airlines’ service to 25 new Canadian cities.
American Airlines said that customers traveling to Canada and transferring to a WestJet flight can purchase a single ticket and check bags through to the final destination.
The companies said the connections will first be available through the six gateways in Canada that currently are served by American or American Eagle; Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver, Halifax and Ottawa.
A second phase will be implemented in December, when the airlines will add additional connection opportunities through WestJet’s nonstop U.S. flights to Canadian cities.
The agreement “complements our North American network and greatly benefits our customers by offering additional connections to and from new Canadian markets,” said Virasb Vahidi, American’s Chief Commercial Officer.
Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet’s Executive Vice-President for Strategy and Planning added: “This agreement represents WestJet’s first interline with a U.S. carrier and we are excited to be working with such a well established and recognized global airline.”
The companies also said they are exploring other ways to enhance customer benefits through other commercial cooperation agreements.
