Delta Air Lines and Virgin Blue announce plan to form joint venture

Delta Air Lines and the Virgin Blue Airlines Group announced they plan to seek regulatory approval to form a joint venture that will expand both carriers’ reach between the U.S. and Australia and the South Pacific. The alliance will allow Delta and the Virgin Blue Airlines Group to compete more effectively in those markets by collaborating on route and product planning, codesharing on their respective networks and extending frequent flyer program benefits and lounge access to customers of both airlines.