American Airlines and Canada's WestJet Airlines codeshare and frequent flyer relationship


Members of American Airlines AAdvantage and WestJet's Frequent Flyer Programs will be Able to Earn Miles or Rewards on Codeshare Flights
American Airlines and WestJet Airlines announced today they have entered into a comprehensive codeshare agreement, providing customers with more choices and greater connectivity when travelling between the United States and Canada.
The codeshare relationship, which is subject to regulatory approvals, will allow American 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 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.
"Our codeshare with WestJet will further expand our North American network and provide our customers seamless connections to and from cities throughout Canada," said Virasb Vahidi, American's Chief Commercial Officer. "As a valuable result of NAFTA economic integration and the open skies aviation agreement between Canada and the United States, Canada has become an ever more important business and leisure destination for travelers from the U.S."
"This agreement with American Airlines marks an important milestone in WestJet's history," said Hugh Dunleavy, WestJet's Executive Vice-President, Strategy and Planning. "WestJet is executing our strategic plan to evolve our interline and codeshare capabilities. These initial routes should immediately enhance our reach and value proposition to business and corporate travellers, particularly in central Canada. We are very pleased to see the success of our efforts as we enter the first codeshare where WestJet will actively sell on another airline. We look forward to a successful relationship with American."
Shortly after all regulatory approvals are received, customers will be able to book these codeshare itineraries through travel agencies, most major North American online travel agency websites, www.aa.com, American Airlines Reservations at 800-433-7300, www.westjet.com or the WestJet Sales Super Centre at 1-888-937-8538.
About American Airlines
American Airlines, American Eagle and AmericanConnection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning website, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. AmericanAirlines, American Eagle, AmericanConnection, AA.com, We know why you fly and AAdvantage are trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. (NYSE: AMR)
About the AAdvantage® Program
The AAdvantage program was the first frequent flyer program. Established in 1981, the program now has more than 66 million members. Members can earn miles at more than 1,000 participating companies, which include 27 hotel chains representing more than 60 brands, more than 20 airlines, eight car-rental companies, 11 financial companies, and over 500 brand name retailers. In addition, members can earn miles when making purchases with one of more than 100 affinity card products in over 40 countries. In 2010, AAdvantage members redeemed more than 165 billion miles to claim just fewer than 7.2 million awards for flights, upgrades and car rentals. For more information and a listing of AAdvantage program participating companies, visit www.aa.com/aadvantage.
About WestJet
WestJet is Canada's favourite airline, offering scheduled service throughout its 71-city North American and Caribbean network. Inducted into Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures Hall of Fame and named one of Canada's best employers, WestJet pioneered low-cost flying in Canada. Named a J.D. Power 2011 Customer Service Champion, WestJet offers increased legroom, leather seats and live seatback television provided by Bell TV on its modern fleet of 93 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. With future confirmed deliveries for an additional 42 aircraft through 2018, WestJet strives to be one of the five most successful international airlines in the world.
Source: WestJet

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