Delta Air Lines is cementing its relationship wit SkyTeam alliance partner Korean Air.

The US carrier has acquired a 4.3% stake in the largest shareholder of the Asian airline for an undisclosed sum.

Delta aims to raise its shareholding to 10% over time, after receiving regulatory approval.

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The two airlines started Pacific collaboration last year, covering more than 290 destinations in the US 80 destinations in Asia via the Seoul-Incheon airport hub.

Delta is already a major shareholder in Virgin Atlantic and Aeromexico and partners in a transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said: “Together with the team at Korean Air, we have a vision to deliver the world’s leading trans-Pacific joint venture for our shared customers, offering the strongest network, the best service and the finest experience connecting the US with Asia.

“This is already one of our fastest-integrating and most successful partnerships, and experience tells us this investment will further strengthen our relationship as we continue to build on the value of the joint venture.”