WestJet Airlines, long known for its strong domestic presence in Canada, is quietly transforming into a global player. WestJet has grown across the Atlantic and Pacific with new international services om 787 services over the last several years. In doing so, Westjet has also grown closer to several international partners. Now, having a growing list of international airline partners and a recent shift in ownership, the Canadian carrier is positioning itself for a new era—one that may soon include membership in a major global alliance. Is Westjet going to join Skyteam?
WestJet Current Partnerships
WestJet has built an impressive network of codeshare and interline agreements that connect its passengers to destinations far beyond Canada. Westjet also has built opportunities for Westjet reward members to earn and redeem points across many airlines. Mostly in the Skyteam alliance, but also OneWord. Currently Westjet Reward members can earn and redeem miles on Delta, Air France, KLM, and Qantas.
Westjet codeshare partnership is more impressive, as Westjet members can book codeshare on over 20 airlines. These Airlines include:
- Aeromexico
- Air France
- Air Transat
- Azores Airlines
- Cathay Pacific
- China Airlines
- China Eastern
- China Southern
- Condor
- Delta Air Lines
- Emirates
- Hainan Airlines
- Hong Kong Airlines
- Japan Airlines
- KLM
- Korean Air
- LATAM Airlines
- SAS – NEW interline partnership
- Philippine Airlines
- Qantas
- Virgin Atlantic
- Xiamen Air
These partnerships allow WestJet customers to book seamless itineraries across continents while stilling earning loyalty rewards. Plus it overall extends Westjet’s reach nearly worldwide. Westjet codeshares across airlines that are in Oneworld and Skyteam and several airlines which are not part of any alliance.
New Investors, New Direction
In a major development, WestJet’s parent company, Onex Corporation, sold a 25% stake in the airline to a group of international carriers, including Delta Air Lines and Korean Air—both prominent members of the SkyTeam alliance. Delta took a 15% stake and Korean airlines took 10%. This $550 million deal not only helps Onex recover its 2019 investment but also introduces strategic airline investors into WestJet’s boardroom. Delta has a history of buying a stake in airlines around the world. In recent years we’ve seen Delta invest in LATAM, Virgin Atlantic, and Aeromexico.
With Delta acquiring a 15% stake and Korean Air taking 10%, the airline now has deep financial and operational ties to SkyTeam members. Even more telling, Delta is reportedly transferring a portion of its stake of ownership to Air France-KLM, further tightening the SkyTeam web
SkyTeam on the Horizon?
While WestJet has historically resisted joining a global alliance—preferring bilateral partnerships—the tide may be turning. The airline’s leadership has not confirmed any alliance ambitions, but industry observers are reading between the lines. Just yesterday, WestJet and Scandinavian Airlines System announce interline agreement. The SAS interline agreement gives WestJet guests single-ticket access to 29 destinations across Denmark, Sweden and Norway. SAS is also a Skyteam member.
As Air Canada is a founder member of the Star Alliance if Westjet was to join an alliance to further it’s international reach and partnerships, only Skyteam and Oneworld would make logical sense. Yet, with the deep ties to Skyteam and ownership stakes of 3 Skyteam airlines, we can all read the tea leaves. Westjet will likely join Skyteam, if any alliance. SkyTeam membership may no longer be a question of “if,” but “when.”
Joining SkyTeam would give WestJet access to a broader loyalty ecosystem, shared lounges, and deeper integration with global carriers. It would also provide SkyTeam with a much-needed foothold in Canada, countering Star Alliance’s dominance through Air Canada.
Bottom Line
For now, WestJet remains officially unaffiliated with any alliance. Westjet signed a new interline agreement with SAS this week. The SkyTeam airlines now hold a quarter of its equity and its network increasingly aligned with SkyTeam’s global strategy, the writing may be on the wall. Westjet could be the next Skyteam Airline.
