Southwest Airlines (Dallas) has responded back to WestJet Airlines (Calgary) about media reports (including this blog) that it may now be seeking a code-share alliance with Delta Air Lines (Atlanta). Southwest has issued the following statement:

“Southwest Airlines learned from media reports this week that WestJet apparently intends to enter into a codeshare agreement with Delta Air Lines.  At about the same time, Southwest learned of a deal by which Delta would transfer slots at LaGuardia Airport in New York to WestJet.  A codeshare between WestJet and Delta, as indicated in media reports, could be inconsistent with the agreement presently in place between Southwest and WestJet.

“The Southwest/WestJet project was on target in accordance with a mutually agreed upon timetable,” said Bob Jordan, Southwest’s Executive Vice President of Strategy and Planning.  “However, WestJet in recent weeks requested material and significant changes to our agreement that we could not accept.  We are, and always have been, prepared to move forward to implement our agreement with WestJet.  We have not yet been notified of WestJet’s intent to terminate that agreement.  If we are so notified in order for WestJet to consummate its deal with Delta, Southwest remains very interested in offering our loyal Customers service to Canada via the most efficient means possible.”

It would appear the proposed alliance between the two low-fare carriers could be on life support.