A trans-Pacific joint venture has been agreed between Delta Air Lines and Korean Air.
The deal will lead to an expanded network designed to improve travel choices and boost competition between the US and Asia.
The collaboration will result in a combined network serving more than 290 destinations in the Americas and more than 80 in Asia.
Both airlines intend to share the costs and revenues on flights and co-ordinated schedules for seamless connections, subject to regulatory approvals.
The enhanced co-operation includes expanded codesharing, frequent flyer schemes and joint growth in the trans-Pacific market, with co-location at key hubs with seamless passenger and baggage transit.
Virgin Atlantic partner Delta will start non-stop flights between its Atlanta hub and Seoul in June, complementing an existing Korean Air service, to provide US passengers with greater access to destinations across Asia.
Korean Air will continue to expand its US–Korea network this summer with the introduction of a third frequency between Los Angeles and Seoul, as well as a second flight between San Francisco and Seoul.
Delta chief executive Ed Bastian said: “This agreement deepens our longstanding partnership with Korean Air and will provide the global access and seamless service our customers demand.
“We look forward to providing customers of both carriers with industry-leading service between the US and Asia.”
Korean Air chairman and chief executive, Yang Ho Cho, said: “This joint venture will benefit our customers by providing more convenient connection schedules and widen their opportunities in earning mileages.
“With this agreement, we will reinforce Incheon airport’s position as a major international hub in north east Asia and support the growth of Korea’s aviation industry.”