US-based Delta Airlines announced the acquisition of a 4.3% stake in the Hanjin-KAL group – the largest shareholder of the Seoul-based Korean Air – further strengthening the current joint venture between the two airlines.

In a statement, Delta will increase its stake from 4.3% to 10% over time once it receives approval from regulators.

Since Delta and Korean Air entered its joint venture in 2018, both SkyTeam founding airlines have expanded their efforts in joint marketing and codeshare flights to/from Seoul-Incheon. Both airlines have around 1,400 codeshare flights for connections in the United States and in Asia, and enhanced mutual frequent flyer program benefits.

“Together with the team at Korean Air, we have a vision to deliver the world’s leading trans-Pacific joint venture for our shared customers, offering the strongest network, the best service and the finest experience connecting the U.S. with Asia,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “This is already one of our fastest-integrating and most successful partnerships, and experience tells us this investment will further strengthen our relationship as we continue to build on the value of the joint venture.”

Delta’s stake in Korean Air further strengthens the investment portfolio of the Atlanta-based carrier, which also has stake in other airlines such as Aeromexico, Air France-KLM, China Eastern, Gol, and Virgin Atlantic.

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