OTTAWA — Transport Canada has launched a public consultation into Air Canada and United Airlines’ proposed expansion of their transborder joint venture.

The two airlines have notified the Minister of Transport of their plans to update their existing joint business arrangement under the Canada Transportation Act.

The agreement has been in place since 2022.

According to the heads up from Transport Canada, the two carriers want to add Canada-U.S. routes to their joint business arrangement that are currently excluded.

The routes currently excluded under the joint venture (along with suspended route Calgary-Houston) are …

. Montréal – Chicago

. Montréal – Washington DC

. Ottawa – New York

. Ottawa – Washington DC

. Toronto – Cleveland

. Toronto – Denver

. Toronto – Houston

. Toronto – San Francisco  

. Toronto – Washington DC

. Vancouver – San Francisco  

Says Transport Canada: “As the new joint venture arrangement raises public interest considerations, Transport Canada officials are examining the proposed arrangement. Our assessment will consider public interest factors and how the change could impact competition.”

Canadians can provide feedback through Transport Canada’s Let’s Talk Transportation consultation platform here until Nov. 15.

“By conducting a thorough public interest assessment of this amended joint venture, we’re ensuring that any expanded cooperation between these carriers benefits Canadians and drives stronger economic growth – boosting connectivity, supporting good jobs, and opening new opportunities for businesses and travellers across Canada,” said Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon.