by Delta Air Lines’ tie-up with South American mega-carrier LATAM expands to include an all-new route.
The two carriers announced on Monday that new service between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogota, Colombia, will begin July 1, using a 174-seat Airbus A320. operated by LATAM Colombia.
The new route will operate daily and will run counter to existing services in the market operated by Colombian flag carrier Avianca and ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines.
“Through the joint venture with Delta, we will enhance our presence in the US market, which continues to be one of the most important international destinations for Colombian passengers,” said Santiago Alvarez, CEO of LATAM Airlines Colombia, in a press release.
The new route comes just months after the joint venture partnership between Delta and LATAM was approved by regulators. The Atlanta-based carrier shocked the industry in September 2019 when it announced it was taking a 20% stake in LATAM, driving the airline away from frequent flyer alliance Oneworld.
As part of this investment, Delta is working to create a strategic alliance with LATAM, increasing flights to Miami and other key US airports to Latin America.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Delta and LATAM have already rolled out several customer-facing enhancements under the joint venture, including frequent flyer reciprocal accumulation, redemption and elite benefits, lounge access benefits and more.
The joint venture allows the two carriers to share revenue from flights between the United States and Canada and South America. The deal also comes with antitrust immunity, which means Delta and LATAM can coordinate schedules and fares in those markets.
In addition to the new route from Orlando to Bogota, LATAM recently announced a new service from Los Angeles to Sao Paulo as the first new market under the joint venture partnership.
LATAM has operations focused on Chile, Brazil and several other South American countries. So, it probably won’t be long before the two airlines announce new routes or ways of cooperation.
For Delta, the agreement with LATAM continues its strategy of “taking equity” in strategic partners with whom it wishes to do business. Most notable is Virgin Atlantic, with Delta now owning a 49% stake in the London-based carrier. The two carriers essentially operate as one on transatlantic flights between the US and UK
Related Reading:
