Delta in talks to buy a stake of Virgin Atlantic

This could give Delta more of a presence at London's Heathrow airport and Virgin would get access to more US airports.


Talks are under way between Delta and Singapore Airlines, two people familiar with the matter said. A stake sale could let Virgin form a trans-Atlantic venture with Delta and partner Air France-KLM Group (AF) in the SkyTeam alliance, providing access to takeoff and landing slots at the U.K. carrier’s Heathrow base. Delta is discussing buying all or part of the Singapore Airlines stake.

Delta Covets London Growth With Stake in Virgin Atlantic - Bloomberg

What will be nice is that frequent-fliers would get reciprocal mileage benefits & reciprocal lounge access, something that could take effect as early as next year. This will be a good addition to the SkyTeam Alliance.

I received an email from Delta on this.....

As you may have heard, Delta has announced plans to acquire an equity stake in Virgin Atlantic, as part of our strategy to provide you with more convenient, comprehensive and rewarding travel from North America to the United Kingdom.*

Once the partnership is approved, and later in 2013, you will learn more about:

- A combined network offering up to 31 round-trip flights per day between North America and the United Kingdom, including 9 daily round-trip flights between New York and London-Heathrow.

- More convenient connections and booking options when flying Virgin Atlantic.

- Reciprocal frequent flyer program benefits and airport lounge access.



And a link to an interview with the Delta CEO on the acquisition.

Delta Buys 49% Virgin Atlantic Stake for NYC-U.K. Service - Bloomberg