Delta Air Lines and Korean Air have reached an agreement to create a trans-Pacific joint venture, which would be offering an expanded network, same industry-leading products and service and a customer experience between the U.S. and Asia.
The joint venture will create a combined network serving more than 290 destinations in the Americas and more than 80 in Asia, providing customers of both airlines. It will augment the two airlines’ capabilities in the trans-Pacific market and provide the scale and scope to compete in this market.
Delta and Korean Air will lay the groundwork for implementing all aspects of the joint venture, subject to regulatory approvals, including expanded codesharing in the trans-Pacific market, joint sales and marketing initiatives in Asia and the United States, colocation at key hubs with seamless passenger and baggage transit experience, enhanced frequent flyer benefits, providing customers of both airlines the ability to earn and redeem miles on Delta’s SkyMiles and Korean Air’s SKYPASS programs and increased belly cargo cooperation across the trans-Pacific. Under the agreement, the airlines will also share costs and revenues on flights within the scope of the joint venture as they work to expand service options for travelers.
“Together, Delta and Korean Air are building a world-class partnership that will offer more destinations, outstanding airport facilities and an unmatched customer experience on the trans-Pacific,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s CEO. “By combining the strengths of our two companies, we are building a stronger airline for our employees, customers and investors.”
“Now is the right time for this JV. The synergies we’re creating will build stronger and more sustainable companies, and this is good for travelers, our companies and our countries,” said Korean Air Chairman, Y.H. Cho.
The partnership between Delta and Korean Air began in 2000 when both carriers became co-founders of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. This agreement follows the airlines’ signing of a memorandum of understanding in March announcing the intention to form a joint venture.
