Delta Air Lines and Korean Air are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the leading joint venture between the U.S. and Asia. This partnership continues to grow traffic through the region’s premier connecting hub at Incheon International Airport.
 

The partnership has improved customer experience, enhanced its combined network, and benefited more than 7 million customers since launching in May 2018. Since then, Delta and Korean Air have grown rapidly, connecting passengers over ICN to 2,000 per day each way, an increase of more than 40% in five years despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, Delta and Korean Air offer 18 peak day departures between Seoul-Incheon and the U.S., connecting more than 290 destinations in the Americas and over 80 destinations in Asia in 44 countries.

Delta Executive Insights

"We are proud of how we achieved the leading position in the trans-Pacific together with Korean Air the past five years, which is all thanks to the dedication of our people," said Peter Carter, Delta's Executive Vice President - External Affairs. “We are also excited for how this best-in-class joint venture will continue to deliver for our customers, our business partners and our employees for many more years to come."

During their partnership, Delta and Korean Air have closely collaborated to establish a range of comprehensive and well-coordinated products and services. This strategic approach aims to deliver a seamless, consistent, and industry-leading customer experience. Some of these initiatives include:

• Added a new service connecting Minneapolis and Boston to Incheon.
• Implemented a seamless check-in process using SkyTeam technology, allowing passengers to digitally check in through either Delta or Korean Air's apps or websites.
• Harmonized baggage allowances and introduced priority boarding for corporate customers.
• Provided reciprocal benefits for members of Delta's SkyMiles and Korean Air's SKYPASS loyalty programs.
• Streamlined connecting flights with convenient schedules, reducing overall connecting time.

During the course of this year, Delta and Korean Air have planned numerous campaigns and events to commemorate the anniversary of their joint venture. These initiatives will be carried out under the banner of a newly designed fifth-anniversary logo.

To mark this significant milestone, more than 200 employees and partners of the joint venture gathered in Seoul on June 1 for a celebratory event. The occasion served as a moment of reflection and recognition for the remarkable achievements made through the partnership.

"Through our five-year partnership, we have delivered exceptional convenience and services to our customers who fly with us across the Pacific and beyond," said Keehong Woo, President of Korean Air. "We are excited to continue bringing our customers the ultimate travel experience, as we keep evolving and strengthening our joint venture going forward."