Delta and LATAM Sign Joint Venture Agreement
Delta Air Lines and LATAM Airlines Group have signed a trans-American Joint Venture Agreement that will combine the two carriers’ networks between North and South America, providing customers with a seamless travel experience and industry-leading connectivity. The agreement will go into effect pending regulatory approvals. Delta announced the purchase of a 20% share in LATAM in September 2019, and completed it in December.
The two CEO commented on the venture in a statement posted on Delta’s website.
“Late last year, we set out to build the leading strategic alliance in Latin America together with LATAM, and while the industry landscape has changed, our commitment to this joint venture is as strong as ever,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Even as our carriers contend with the impact of COVID-19 on our business and take steps to protect the safety of our customers and employees, we are also building the airline alliance we know they’ll want to fly in the future.”
“While we remain focused on navigating the COVID-19 crisis and protecting the safety and well-being of our passengers and employees, we also have to look to the future to ensure the best possible customer experience and support the long-term sustainability of the group,” said Roberto Alvo, CEO, LATAM Airlines Group. “Our bilateral strategic alliance with Delta remains a priority and we firmly believe that it still promises to offer customers the leading travel experience and connectivity in the Americas.”
Delta and LATAM Milestones
The announcement also highlighted some of the milestones reached between the two airlines since September 2019.
- Codeshare agreements between Delta and LATAM’s affiliates in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Brazil that allow customers to purchase flights and access onward destinations in their respective networks and will be expanded to cover long-haul flights between the United States/Canada and South America, as well as regional flights. Delta and LATAM’s affiliates in Chile and Argentina also plan to sign codeshare agreements in the coming weeks.
- Frequent flyer benefits:
- Delta SkyMiles members can earn and use miles on LATAM flights
- LATAM Pass members can earn and use miles on Delta flights across their respective networks.
- Reciprocal top tier loyalty recognition to be available during June 2020.
- Smoother connections at hub airports:
- Customers can easily connect between Delta and LATAM flights in hub airports where the carriers have collocated. That includes Terminal 4 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (New York City) and Terminal 3 at São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport.
- Mutual lounge access:
- Eligible LATAM customers can access the Delta Sky Club in New York-JFK
- Eligible Delta customers can access LATAM’s lounge in Bogota/BOG.
- Reciprocal lounge access at airports throughout the Americas starting June 2020.
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