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…
In this post:
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?
American reunites with Don Carty!
Takes me back to my SABRE years.
"Up until now, American hasn’t had any significant partnerships in Canada,"
Should read: American hasn’t had any significant partnerships in Canada since its 25% ownership and codeshare arrangement with the now defunct Canadian Airlines.
As predicted....AA is joining with PD and i already see the flights listed on aa.com.
Perhaps PD will not join OW, but pursue a WS approach with skyteam...only partner with select carriers (although i would like WS to allow SAS points earning).
Glad to see more options out there and the AA loyalty integration is coming for sure.
I would like to see some AA metal back into YOW though....or at least more flights on PD to AA hubs from YOW.....
I do wonder what will happen with the Porter interline agreement with B6. Feels like if B6 is cozying up to UA (Air Canada) and Delta has WestJet, only logical for Porter to align with Oneworld. But obviously not 100% there yet and as another commenter noted, absence of NY-Toronto routes indicates that this is only a first step. A second step may make sense, but not there yet.
Jet blue won’t even be relevant, if even around, in 3 yrs. And if United does want jet blue, they have close the deal before this administration exits the office. Because no sane or non-corrupt regulator would allow such an acquisition to happen.
This will be helpful if you live in an AA hub, where you have nonstop service to one of Porter’s focus cities. If you have live in GSO and have to fly 2 segments just to get to Porter and then an additional flight to wherever they’re going, it’ll probably be easier to stay on United/Air Canada and connect only once.
Glad to see this development, mainly for the promise of future loyalty reciprocity. Prices for porter flights are currently WAY cheaper using Alaska Atmos points than using cash or VIPorter points. I expect the same with AAdvantage points. Don't expect exciting redemption opportunities in the VIPorter program.
Porter air has a good business model. American can pick up some leisure travel from ice hockey fans between Canada and northeast U.S. Maybe pick up some charter flights for professional teams in the CHL and NCAA . There are other territories in Canida outside of Ontario such as Nova Scotia , Manitoba , szeskachawan, New Brunswick , etc. American can poach some cargo potentially turn around and put a 777-200 on a route.
Toronto and Montreal are glaringly missing from the routes covered...
I think the initial intent is to provide connections from AA to Porter (and reverse) via YYZ and YUL, both to domestic destinations in Canada and south of the border to most AA hubs. The press release outlines future connections within the US. There doesn't appear to be (for now) codesharing on routes where the airlines overlap, such as YYZ-MIA.
I have met some insufferable people from Canada undercutting the stereotype that they are very nice.
Earlier this year I visited Vancouver. On the bus to the airport, passengers thanked the bus driver as they exited. I've not seen that level of politeness anywhere else.
Multiple women from Ontario have scammed me on dates - ordering the most expensive dish on the menu, not saying thanks, and not putting out even on our 4th date when I had paid for literally all meals, gifts, and activities up to that point. This has never happened with American women. (All dates occurred in New York City)
I feel no one needed to know in a thread about airlines than some women didn't "put out" even though you bought them dinner. How dare they! But as you've brought it up, and given it was multiple women, is it possible this is a you problem, not a them problem?
Thanking the bus driver at the end of the journey is pretty much a standard in most of the UK, it's not special to Canada :)
Breaking news - many people do this in the US too. Thanking the bus or shuttle driver on the way out.
It’s obvious then that you’ve never riden on my bus!
Arps …. give it up young-fella-me-lad, you are outed again.
Probably none of them were as insufferable as you are.
And some of those people undoubtedly met an insufferable person in you.
Yeah, the Americans with Canadian flags on their bags /s