Brazil Finalizes Approval of Delta-LATAM JV
The agreement has also got the go-ahead from Uruguay, awaits final OK from other jurisdictions, including the US and Chile
The joint venture agreement between Delta Air Lines and LATAM has received final approval from Brazil’s competition authority, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), after initial approval was granted in September 2020.
The deal has also been cleared by authorities in Uruguay while the application process continues in the US, Chile and other jurisdictions.
The agreement aims to enhance the route networks served by both airlines between North and South America. The airlines say codeshare agreements between Delta and certain subsidiaries of the LATAM group will expand services a larger network of destinations.
The carriers will share facilities at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 4 and at Terminal 3 of São Paulo’s Guarulhos Airport (GRU), speeding connection times.
In addition, members of the Delta SkyMiles and LATAM Pass programs can redeem points or miles on both airlines, and the airlines will grant reciprocal lounge access for customers at 35 Delta Sky Club lounges in the US and five LATAM VIP lounges in South America.
“This ruling reinforces the benefits of this type of agreement for travelers and enables us to advance in our commitment to delivering greater and better connectivity between South America and the world,” said LATAM Airlines Group CEO, Roberto Alvo.
“This final approval in Brazil furthers our mission to provide customers in this important market with the world-class travel experience and options they deserve” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Moving forward, we will continue working with LATAM to unlock more benefits for our customers and create the premier airline alliance of the Americas.”
