Air Canada (AC, Montréal Trudeau) and Air New Zealand (NZ, Auckland International) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to form a transpacific joint venture.

The partnership, which expands on the existing alliance cooperation with Star Alliance, is subject to Air Canada and Air New Zealand making the necessary filings, obtaining competition and other regulatory approvals, and finalising documentation.

"Air Canada and Air New Zealand already have a close partnership, having been codeshare and Star Alliance partners for more than 20 years. We look forward to deepening our relationship and optimizing our far-reaching trans-Pacific network co-operation, offering our customers a choice of more flights, connections and travel opportunities," Air Canada Vice President, Global Sales and Alliances John MacLeod said.

Air Canada has existing JVs with Lufthansa Group, Air China (CA, Beijing Capital), and United Airlines (UA, Chicago O'Hare).

The Canadian carrier at the same time announced that it will launch a 4x weekly service between Vancouver International and Auckland International on December 12, 2019, subject to all required authorisation. It will be Air Canada's maiden route to New Zealand. The carrier plans to operate it with a B787-8.

According to the ch-aviation capacity module, Air New Zealand currently flies 5x weekly between Auckland and Vancouver using B777-200(ER) aircraft.