United Airlines Plans Joint Venture with Copa, Avianca

United Airlines said Friday it plans to enter into a joint business agreement with Compañía Panameña de Aviación, or Copa, and Aerovías del Continente Americano, or Avianca, pending government approval.

The partnership, according to the three airlines, would result in new non-stop routes, additional flights on existing routes, and a reduction in travel time. The airlines also expect to provide what they called “integrated, seamless service” for more than 12,000 city pairs.

The deal will represent “the next chapter in U.S.-Latin American air travel,” said Scott Kirby, United’s president.

The three will apply shortly for regulatory approval for the joint business agreement covering the United States and Central and South America, with the exception of Brazil, and for antitrust immunity from the U.S. Department of Transportation as well as from other regulatory agencies.

Brazil may be added to the joint business agreement at a later date.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)