Business
Business

Delta gets initial approval for Australian joint venture

By
May 10, 2011

Delta Air Lines has received initial approval for a joint venture with Virgin Australia Airlines, enabling the two carriers to coordinate their operations between the U.S. and South Pacific.

The U.S. Transportation Department's decision would grant antitrust immunity to Delta and Virgin Australia. It reverses an earlier DOT decision.

Delta first applied for the Virgin Australia antitrust immunity in 2009. Last September the DOT proposed to deny approval, saying the two airlines failed to show the alliance would have positive effects for consumers.

The carriers revised their application, pledging to maintain existing flight capacity in the market for two years and saying they would operate with a combined management structure and reservations system to give travelers a more seamless network.

Delta began flying from Los Angeles to Sydney in 2009. Delta and Virgin Australia have had a code-sharing deal, in which both carriers sell seats on each others' flights, since 2010.

After a two-week period of public comment, the DOT will issue a final decision.

About the Author

As business team lead, Kelly Yamanouchi edits and writes business stories. She graduated from Harvard and has a master's degree from Northwestern.

Follow Kelly Yamanouchi on facebookFollow Kelly Yamanouchi on twitter
More Stories

Keep Reading

The cotton jassid, an invasive insect native to India, is spreading in the state, posing a threat to multiple crops. The tiny green bugs can be distinguished by the single dark spots they have on each wing.(Courtesy of University of Georgia Extension Service)

Credit: Courtesy of University of Georgia Extension Service

New invasive pest spreading rapidly in Georgia, state officials warn

Georgia agriculture officials are warning farmers that an invasive pest is spreading rapidly in the state, posing a threat to cotton and other major crops.

Former AJC investigative editor recognized nationally for four-decade career

Lois Norder directed investigations exposing fraud and abuse in housing, health care, education and the prison system.

Tariff exemption’s end for small orders means higher costs, postal disruptions

The Trump administration is ending an exemption that has spared imports into the U.S. below the value of $800 from import duties.

The Latest

A long line of 2024 Bronco utility vehicles sit on display at Ford dealership in Denver. Automakers and dealerships can disguise price increases. (David Zalubowski/AP 2024)

Credit: AP

New car prices are going up, but you might not notice (yet)

OPINION

How to find car deals in times of tariffs

DATA SURGE

Data centers need a lot more juice. Georgia consumers fear being squeezed.

Featured

An aerial view captures a large area under construction for a new data center campus on Thursday, May 29, 2025. Developed by QTS, the data center campus near Fayetteville is one of the largest under construction in Georgia. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

Georgia could restart regional energy, water reviews for data center proposals

Georgia is weighing rule changes to once again make certain data centers disclose information about their resource requirements to local planning authorities.

From Ponzi fallout to party power: Frost dynasty clings to Coweta GOP

By the end of the two-hour meeting, Brant Frost V had stepped down as Coweta County GOP chair. But in a show of his continued influence, he took on a new role.

After a decade of delays, $148M renovation to Cross Keys High begins

The $148 million project is expected to be completed in 2028. The school, which serves about 1,600 students, will remain open during construction.