Delta Air Lines and Korean Air have jointly invested $550 million to acquire a combined 25% stake in Canadian carrier WestJet, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic alliances. Delta purchased a 15% share for $330 million, while Korean Air acquired 10% for $220 million. This investment underscores the growing importance of collaboration in the competitive North American and transpacific aviation markets.
The stakes were purchased from Onex Partners, which has owned WestJet since 2019 and will continue to hold majority control. Delta plans to transfer a 2.3% portion of its stake to Air France-KLM, its joint venture partner, further weaving a complex web of global airline partnerships. These moves build on years of codeshare agreements, with Delta and Korean Air having longstanding relationships with WestJet.
This strategic investment aims to enhance connectivity across North America, Europe, and Asia, benefiting travelers with expanded route options and integrated loyalty programs. Despite recent challenges in U.S.-Canada travel demand, WestJet’s leadership views the deal as a strong vote of confidence in the airline’s resilience and future growth potential.
With Korean Air expanding its transpacific network and Delta deepening its North American presence, the partnership is well-positioned to deliver seamless travel experiences. The collaboration also aligns with Korean Air’s ambitious fleet expansion plans, promising improved operational efficiency and enhanced service quality for passengers on both sides of the Pacific.
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