The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) granted final approval to the Joint Venture between Delta and LATAM, which will expand both cargo and passenger access of both carriers to 300 destinations between the US/Canada and South America.

Delta and LATAM said that once implemented, the approval enables Delta and LATAM Airlines Group, LATAM Airlines Brasil, LATAM Airlines Colombia, LATAM Airlines Peru and LATAM Airlines Paraguay to begin the work of unlocking new customer and cargo benefits – including enhanced service and expanded route offerings – that will add to the codeshare routes and reciprocal loyalty benefits already in place. 

"Delta Air Lines and the LATAM Group will work closely to create the leading airline partnership between the United States/Canada and South America (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay) and connect the Americas to the world like never before with access to more than 300 destinations," the announcement said.

The airlines said more details on the partnership will be shared in the coming months.

Expanding North, South America market

"Delta's partnership with LATAM will help grow the market between North and South America and provide significant and much-needed benefits for customers, and we applaud the DOT for this final approval," said Ed Bastian, Delta's chief executive officer, noting that the carrier will now get to work with LATAM to leverage on the benefits of the joint venture.

Roberto Alvo, CEO of LATAM Airlines Group, also echoed the same sentiment – and cited some benefits to customers including faster connections, and joint accrual of miles in frequent flyer programs.

"I am sure that, over time, we will be able to offer the best connections, while incorporating a sustainable view of the future," Alvo added.

Delta and LATAM announced in 2019 that they would form the leading airline partnership throughout the Americas.

Both airlines also signalled a commitment to advancing their goals toward becoming more sustainable.