Air Transat and Porter Airlines have announced plans to deepen their existing codeshare agreement by creating a fully-fledged joint venture. The move will see Porter feed Air Transat's medium- and long-haul leisure-focused routes, and marks a significant step forward in executing Transat's strategic plan.
Joint Venture Details
According to Annick Guérard, President and CEO of Air Transat, "This historic agreement constitutes a significant step forward in executing Transat's strategic plan and an important milestone in developing a more sustainable competitive network."
Michael Deluce, President and CEO of Porter Airlines, also spoke positively about the partnership, stating that "Porter is in the midst of disrupting the North American market through a significant continental expansion that will only be amplified by this alliance."
The carriers expect to implement the joint venture in 2024, building on their existing codeshare agreement which has been in place since 2022.
Air Transat Overview
Air Transat operates a fleet of eight A321-200s, fifteen A321-200NX(LR)s, eleven A330-200s, and two A330-300s, focusing on leisure markets in the Caribbean, the United States, Central America, and Europe. The carrier flies mainly out of Montréal Trudeau with a secondary base at Toronto Pearson.
Porter Airlines Overview
In contrast, Porter Airlines focuses on the domestic and US markets, operating twenty-nine DHC-8-Q400s and twenty-three E195-E2s (the latter via the Porter Airlines Canada technical AOC). The airline's largest bases are at Toronto Pearson and Toronto Billy Bishop City Centre, although it also has 99 weekly scheduled departures from Montréal.
Benefits of Joint Venture
The joint venture will enable both carriers to expand their networks and increase flight frequency on key domestic and transborder routes while entering into new markets with less point-to-point traffic.
Summary
This is an exciting development for the North American aviation market and one that is sure to benefit both airlines and their customers.
(This article is sourced from ch-aviation.com and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
