Reports Suggest American Airlines Shows Interest in Upcoming Startup Airline

Hard to believe, but American Airlines is the only major U.S. carrier without an established partner to run Canadian regional routes.

That all could be about to change.

American is looking to begin a partnership with Connect Airlines, a startup regional airline, according to Airline Weekly.

An official letter was sent to the Department of Transportation and did not name the major airline in looks to partner with, but prior submissions identify it as American Airlines. Connect is currently finishing up its fourth round of fundraising and has plans to fly to Toronto from Chicago and Philadelphia.

Currently, American Airlines is the only major US carrier without a partner in Canada. Delta has a cochair agreement with WestJet and United has a partnership with Air Canada.

Any deal is contingent upon several factors, however. Connect has to gain full operational approval, the DOT has to approve any deal and Connect’s shareholders approve it as well. Connect did receive approval last summer from the DOT to conduct interstate travel, but it has to await approval from the FAA for its air worthiness certificate.

Connect is looking to raise another $40 million through Series B fundraising.

In the meantime, all the airline can do is sit back and wait to open the mail.

Connect is still awaiting approval from the FAA.