Air Canada has announced a joint venture with United Airlines that will see increased co-operation and revenue sharing on transborder flights between the two carriers.

Air Canada is joining United, the world's largest airline in a joint venture to enhance transborder air travel between Canada and the U.S. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)Both companies have worked together under the Star Alliance, but the agreement announced Thursday will take that relationship to a new level, according to Air Canada.

"As founding members of the Star Alliance, Air Canada and United have benefited from a close relationship, as have our customers through a simplified travel experience and loyalty rewards," Air Canada's president Calin Rovinescu said in a release.

"By managing pricing, scheduling and sales through a stronger joint venture, the carriers will be better able to serve customers by offering more travel options," he said.

The announcement comes one week after the closing of a merger between United and Continental airlines, that makes United the world's largest airline.

'Working co-operatively with our partner Air Canada, we can create a more streamlined travel experience.'—Jeff Smisek, president of United Airlines

"Working co-operatively with our partner Air Canada, we can create a more streamlined travel experience for customers travelling between the United States and Canada, providing more travel options and benefits while reducing travel times," said Jeff Smisek, the president of United Airlines.

It's the third time this week that airlines have announced joint venture agreements.

On Monday, WestJet announced a code-share agreement with Cathay Pacific, which allows travellers from Hong Kong to transfer seamlessly to WestJet flights in Canada.

American Airlines, British Airways and Spain's Iberia announced a similar venture on transatlantic flights on Wednesday.

The deal between Air Canada and United is expected to take effect early next year, pending regulatory approval.