US DOT approves Delta and Virgin Atlantic venture
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The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has given the green light to Delta Air Lines’ commercial venture with Virgin Atlantic.
After today’s antitrust immunity was granted, the two airlines can commence sharing revenue and flights between the UK and USA.
This includes a new schedule of flights between Heathrow and New York from 30 March 2014 such as seven direct services a day on the route. Three of these will depart Heathrow in the morning, followed by three afternoon departures between 14.00 and 17.35, then another will take off in the evening.
The return leg sees one depart JFK at 7.40, followed by evening departures every half hour between 18.30 and 20.30, with two more at 21.30 and 22.30.
Combined, the pair will offer 32 daily nonstop flights from UK to the USA, 24 of which will operate from Heathrow to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta and Washington.
“We are delighted that the Department of Transportation recognises that the immunised partnership offers significant advantages to customers. The freedom to cooperate fully with Virgin Atlantic will initiate a new era of greater competition in the New York to London market where it is much needed. We have a proven record in making joint ventures succeed and we look forward to building our relationship with Virgin Atlantic,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s president.
Craig Kreeger, Virgin’s CEO added: “Today represents a huge opportunity for both Virgin Atlantic’s passengers and our business. Our partnership with Delta means we will be able to offer convenient aligned schedules and a much broader network, giving the best possible travel choices and on board experience to trans-Atlantic passengers.”
The new venture will compete primarily with British Airways and American Airlines partnership.
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