In July 2025, we saw a regulatory filing hinting at a new partnership. It’s now official, as the two airlines have announced plans to collaborate. I don’t think this should surprise anyone, and it’s something that many of us have been predicting for a couple of years now…
American & Porter unveil codeshare partnership
American Airlines and Porter Airlines are launching a codeshare partnership. With this, American can market Porter flights by placing its “AA” code on them, while Porter can market American flights by placing its “PD” code on them. In other words, you can expect select flights from both airlines to be sold on the websites and apps of both airlines.
A codeshare agreement is a much higher level of cooperation than just an interline agreement, but it’s not as close as a joint venture. While this has now officially been announced, permission for this was requested a couple of months back, via a Department of Transportation (DOT) filing.
American’s codeshare on Porter flights immediately includes flights to Edmonton (YEG), Halifax (YHZ), Ottawa (YOW), Victoria (YYJ), and Winnipeg (YWG). In the coming weeks, we should see that expanded to Calgary (YYC), Charlottetown (YYG), Kelowna (YLW), St. John’s (YYT), Saskatoon (YXE), and Vancouver (YVR).
So, what are the loyalty program collaborations? For now, American AAdvantage members can earn miles and Loyalty Points when booking Porter flights, but only when booking them through American, as a codeshare. In the future, a higher level of loyalty reciprocity is expected, including mileage redemption opportunities.
For those not familiar with Porter, this is a fast growing Canadian airline. Porter has historically operated De Havilland Dash 8-400 turboprops out of Toronto Billy Bishop Airport (YTZ), though in recent years has taken on a new strategy, as the airline is now competing across North America out of Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ), thanks to new Embraer E195-E2s.
Here’s how Anmol Bhargava, American’s SVP of Global Alliances, describes this:
“Canada is one of the most popular destinations for travelers, and American is excited to partner with Porter Airlines to unlock more travel options for customers. This partnership puts customers at the forefront, and we look forward to providing even more seamless transborder travel options together.”
Meanwhile here’s how Edmond Eldebs, Porter’s Chief Commercial Officer, describes this:
“This partnership with American Airlines provides a true competitive alternative for passengers needing more options when flying between Canada and the United States. By initially combining Porter’s growing Canadian network with American’s extensive reach in the U.S. and southern destinations, we are offering improved connectivity in combination with Porter’s commitment to high-quality service. This is something that we are committed to growing with additional global routing options and future VIPorter loyalty integration.”
This is an obvious partner for American in Canada
Air Canada (Canada’s largest airline) partners with United. WestJet (Canada’s second largest airline) partners with Delta — the airline previously partnered with American, but Delta swooped in with a better offer. Up until now, American hasn’t had any significant partnerships in Canada, so by process of elimination, a partnership with Porter makes a lot of sense.
Over the past couple of years, we’ve seen Alaska roll out a partnership with Porter, and of course Alaska is also in oneworld, and has a partnership with American. As I’ve said in the past, I expected Porter to continue to partner with more oneworld airlines. I’m not sure the airline will fully join the alliance, but it sure would be nice.
Funny enough, in mid-2023, it looked like American planned to invest in Connect Airlines, a Canadian airline startup that largely wanted to replicate Porter’s initial business model. However, that airline never actually took off…
Bottom line
American Airlines and Porter Airlines have launched a partnership. This initially includes a codeshare agreement with a limited loyalty collaboration, but in the future, it’s expected to include full loyalty reciprocity.
This is an awesome development, and makes perfect sense when you consider the competitive dynamics between the United States and Canada. I think the big question is just how closely together the airlines will work, and if Porter inches closer to oneworld.
What’s your take on this new partnership?
