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Delta and Korean agree trans-Pacific joint venture

A trans-Pacific joint venture has been agreed between Delta Air Lines and Korean Air

The deal between the long-term partners will create a combined network serving more than 290 destinations in the Americas and more than 80 in Asia.

The joint venture will “provide the necessary scale and scope to compete in this market”.

It includes expanded code-share flights, joint sales and marketing initiatives and sharing facilities at key hub airports.

Delta recently started flying between Atlanta and Seoul, complementing an existing Korean Air service.

The Asian carrier will continue to expand its US-Korea network this summer with the introduction of a third flight between Los Angeles and Seoul, as well as a second frequency between San Francisco and the Korean capital.

The new agreement follows the airlines signing a memorandum of understanding in March announcing the intention to form a joint venture.

It is the latest expansion of a longstanding partnership between Delta and Korean Air, which began in 2000 when both carriers became co-founders of the SkyTeam global airline alliance.

Delta chief executive, Ed Bastian, said: “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

“By combining the strengths of our two companies, we are building a stronger airline for our employees, customers and investors.”

Korean Air chairman, Y.H. Cho, said: “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 travellers, our companies and our countries,”

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