United Airlines and Air
Canada on Thursday said they have agreed to the terms of a transborder,
antitrust-immune joint venture, through which the carriers would share revenue,
jointly plan service and coordinate pricing on routes connecting the United
States and Canada.
The carriers said they
expect the joint venture to go live early next year, noting that although they
already operate under antitrust immunity, the deal still would require
regulatory approvals. The carriers already participate in a transatlantic joint
venture with Lufthansa.
"Working cooperatively
with our partner Air Canada, we can create a more streamlined travel experience
for customers traveling between the United States and Canada, providing more
travel options and benefits while reducing travel times," said former
Continental Airlines CEO Jeff Smisek, who became president and CEO of United
Airlines upon the closing of the carriers' merger this month.