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[upbeat jingle] Cross-border travel between the US and Canada has taken a sharp hit from recent geopolitical tensions, and now two of North America's largest carriers are looking to join forces to stem the decline.

Bloomberg reports United Airlines and Air Canada are seeking regulatory approval to expand their existing joint venture, aiming to add 10 key transborder routes to their shared network.

According to public consultation documents released by Transport Canada, the proposed expansion includes high-demand business and leisure corridors such as Montreal to Chicago and Washington, Ottawa to New York, and connections from both Toronto and Vancouver into San Francisco.

The two airlines have operated under a joint venture agreement since 2022.

That arrangement allows them to function almost as a single airline on select cross-border flights, coordinating schedules, setting ticket prices, and running joint marketing campaigns.

The push to expand comes as passenger demand between the two nations faces steep headwinds.

Transborder travel has dropped noticeably amid rising anti-US sentiment in Canada, spurred by recent tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump and his controversial remarks suggesting Canada become the 51st American state.

By deepening their partnership, United and Air Canada hope to optimize flight capacities, streamline connections, and protect revenues across their joint network.

Canadian regulators are currently taking feedback on the proposal.

Transport Canada's public consultation period remains open through November 15th.