WestJet, British Airways become partners

WestJet Airlines Ltd. has struck a strategic partnership with British Airways PLC that will be implemented in early 2011, the company said Wednesday.

The Calgary-based carrier has had a preliminary deal in place with BA since 2009.

But both sides said Wednesday that they have hammered out the fine details of the new inbound interline agreement.

"Yes, we do have a deal with BA -- but seats won't go on sale until early (in the) new year," Robert Palmer, WestJet spokesman, said in an email.

The agreement will allow BA to seamlessly transfer its passengers and luggage onto WestJet aircraft and carry them on to destinations in Canada using one ticket. West-Jet will not be able to sell tickets to Britain initially, and the marketing and sales would be BA's responsibility.

WestJet has a similar arrangement with Air France/ KLM, American Airlines, and China Airlines.

It also has a full code-share agreement with Cathay Pacific Airways,

WestJet said it did not expect the near-term revenue generated from its partnership with BA to be "material."

Separately, WestJet denied on Wednesday it had entered into talks with Dubai-based Emirates on an alliance.

The Calgary Herald reported earlier this week that WestJet was in discussions with Emirates as part of plans by Canada's No. 2 carrier to expand globally.

The report came at a time when relations between Canada's Conservative government and Emirates' home country, the United Arab Emirates, are strained because of a dispute over airline landing rights.

Source: Ottawa Citizen