Virgin Atlantic, Delta push to be more competitive

 Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways are seeking antitrust immunity for their new joint venture, encouraging increased competition between the United States and United Kingdom.

The US Department of Transportation has received the airline’s proposed joint antitrust immunity application.

Delta and Virgin Atlantic’s new joint venture will result in “an expanded schedule with more frequencies and destinations for customers travelling between key business markets in the US and the UK,” Delta Air Lines president Ed Bastian said.

Delta and Virgin Atlantic will coordinate schedules, network planning, pricing and revenue management, sales and other aspects of their services between North America and the UK.

Delta plans to begin a new non-stop service between Seattle and London-Heathrow if antitrust immunity is approved.

“Today's filing for antitrust immunity marks the next step towards the full implementation of this joint venture between two great airline brands,” Virgin Atlantic chief executive Craig Kreeger said.

Sourced: etravelblackboardasia