Copa Airlines announced (30-Nov-2018) the carrier reached a collaborative revenue-sharing JBA with United Airlines and Avianca, pending approval of appropriate governmental authorities. United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby stated: "This agreement represents the next chapter in US-Latin American air travel". The regulatory approval process expected to conclude in 12 to 18 months. The JBA currently includes cooperation between the US and Central and South America, excluding Brazil. With the recently concluded Open Skies agreement between the US and Brazil, the carriers are exploring the possibility of adding Brazil to the JBA. The carriers outlined the following benefits will be achieved from the JBA:
- Integrated service in more than 12,000 city pairs;
- New nonstop routes;
- Additional frequencies on existing routes;
- Reduced travel times.
The JBA is expected to "drive significant traffic growth at major gateway cities coast to coast" helping to bring new investment and create more economic development opportunities. [more - original PR - United Airlines] [more - original PR - Copa Airlines] [more - original PR - Copa - Spanish]