Delta Air Lines and Korean Air have reached an agreement to form a comprehensive trans-Pacific joint venture that expands route options, upgrades service offerings, and creates a smoother travel experience between the United States and Asia.
This agreement builds on a partnership that spans nearly two decades, originating when both carriers helped found the SkyTeam global airline alliance. Together the airlines will combine networks that serve more than 290 destinations across the Americas and over 80 destinations throughout Asia, creating a robust and interconnected trans-Pacific system.
“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, chief executive officer of Delta. By leveraging the complementary strengths of each carrier, the joint venture aims to deliver a stronger airline network for employees, customers and investors alike.
The joint venture is designed to strengthen both carriers’ competitive position in the trans-Pacific market by providing the scale and scope necessary to enhance service. Key elements of the collaboration include expanded codeshare flights across the Pacific, coordinated sales and marketing efforts in both countries, and co-location at major hub airports to simplify passenger connections and baggage transfers.
Frequent flyers will benefit from improved loyalty integration and enhanced award opportunities, while cargo customers can expect deeper belly cargo cooperation across trans-Pacific routes. The carriers will also adopt a shared-cost, shared-revenue approach for flights within the joint venture’s scope, enabling more efficient service planning and potentially broader schedule choices for travelers.
To support the strengthened partnership, Delta recently launched a new nonstop route between Atlanta (ATL) and Seoul (ICN), complementing Korean Air’s existing services. Korean Air plans to expand its U.S.–Korea network as well, adding a third round-trip Los Angeles (LAX)–Seoul flight and a second San Francisco (SFO)–Seoul flight to better serve passenger demand and improve connectivity between the two regions.
By aligning route networks, airport operations and customer benefits, Delta and Korean Air aim to deliver a seamless trans-Pacific travel experience with more destinations, improved facilities, and coordinated service across both carriers.