United, Avianca and Copa agree to joint venture

United, Copa and Avianca have reached a joint business agreement covering travel between the U.S. and 19 countries in Central and South America.

Pending regulatory approvals, the carriers, already partners through the Star Alliance, would be able to share revenue, more closely align frequent-flyer programs and coordinate flight times.

The joint business will cover more than 275 destinations throughout Latin America and the U.S., said Copa Airlines CEO Pedro Heilbron, though it will not include destinations in Brazil.

The carriers are “exploring the possibility” of adding Brazil, following the recently ratified open skies agreement between the U.S. and Brazil.

Source: travelweekly.com