United States And South Korea Propel Airline Alliances To New Heights With Delta And Korean Air’s Strategic Stake Acquisition In WestJet

Published on May 12, 2025

In a groundbreaking move that strengthens global airline alliances, the United States and South Korea are setting a new benchmark in the aviation industry. Delta Air Lines and Korean Air, two of the most influential players in the global travel market, have made bold, transformative investments in the Canadian carrier WestJet, acquiring a combined 25% equity stake. This strategic acquisition marks a significant shift in transpacific connectivity and solidifies the enduring partnerships between these aviation giants. By forging powerful alliances with WestJet, Delta and Korean Air are not only expanding their global reach but also redefining the future of international air travel, providing travelers with unprecedented access and seamless connectivity between North America, Asia, and beyond.

SkyTeam members Delta Air Lines and Korean Air are taking their strategic alliances with WestJet to new heights with significant equity investments in the Canadian carrier. This latest move strengthens the already well-established ties between the three airlines and highlights their commitment to enhancing global connectivity for travelers across North America, Asia, and beyond.

Delta and Korean Air are both major players in the international aviation industry, and their respective investments in WestJet reflect their ongoing efforts to expand their partnerships and better serve their customers. The airlines’ collaboration with WestJet builds upon their existing codeshare agreements and their long history of offering seamless travel experiences. These investments not only solidify the relationships between the three airlines but also open new avenues for further integration and passenger benefits.

Under the terms of the agreements announced this week, Delta and Korean Air will each acquire independent equity stakes in WestJet, totaling 25%. Delta, a key player in the U.S. airline market, will invest US\$330 million to secure a 15% stake in the Canadian carrier, while Korean Air, one of Asia’s leading airlines, will invest US\$220 million for a 10% stake. This strategic investment will help each airline deepen its relationship with WestJet, a carrier with a strong presence in Canada and increasing international reach.

For Delta, this investment is part of its broader strategy to strengthen its network of international partners. The airline has made similar equity investments in other global carriers, such as Air France-KLM, LATAM, Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic, China Eastern, and even Korean Air’s parent company, Hanjin KAL. Delta’s investments have been crucial in solidifying its position as a leader in the global airline industry, ensuring its ability to offer customers a vast and diverse range of destinations and seamless connections across the world. The investment in WestJet will help Delta further enhance its U.S.-Canada routes and expand its service offerings for passengers traveling between North America and other parts of the world.

Delta’s partnership with WestJet dates back to February 2011, when the two airlines entered into a codeshare agreement aimed at improving travel options for passengers crossing the U.S.-Canada border. Over the years, this partnership has grown and evolved, providing travelers with an ever-expanding network of flight options and a smoother overall travel experience. Today, the alliance between Delta and WestJet allows passengers to access numerous destinations across the U.S., Canada, and beyond, with streamlined booking processes, coordinated schedules, and enhanced travel flexibility.

Similarly, Korean Air has had a successful partnership with WestJet since June 2012, focusing on expanding transpacific connectivity between the two countries. Through their codeshare agreement, passengers can travel between Seoul Incheon and various Canadian cities, including Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, and seamlessly connect to WestJet’s extensive domestic network within Canada and the U.S. The Korean Air-WestJet partnership offers travelers greater choice and flexibility, with connections to a wide range of destinations on both sides of the Pacific Ocean.

The additional equity stake in WestJet comes at a time when both Delta and Korean Air are seeking to bolster their positions in the highly competitive transpacific and North American markets. The increased collaboration between the airlines is expected to drive further growth for WestJet, enabling the airline to offer even more flight options to passengers while benefiting from the expanded global reach of its major partners. These partnerships are vital for helping WestJet maintain its competitive edge as it competes with other North American carriers and international airlines.

In recent years, Delta and Korean Air have both made strategic investments in their respective partnerships. Delta’s expansive investment strategy has allowed the airline to cement its place as a dominant global player. The airline has poured resources into partnerships with some of the world’s leading airlines, giving its passengers access to an even wider range of destinations. Similarly, Korean Air’s ongoing investments in key partnerships, such as its alliance with Delta, have helped the airline grow its market share and improve connectivity, particularly on transpacific routes.

While the investments in WestJet are significant, they are not the only sign of collaboration between these airlines. Both Delta and Korean Air continue to pursue a more integrated global strategy, working with various airline partners to ensure their customers have access to the best possible travel experiences. The equity investments in WestJet further demonstrate the airlines’ commitment to enhancing customer service, improving operational efficiency, and increasing the range of destinations and services available to travelers worldwide.

WestJet, for its part, is no stranger to expansion and growth. The airline has made tremendous strides in recent years, steadily increasing its market share and broadening its international network. With the support of Delta and Korean Air, WestJet is positioned for continued success, benefiting from the expertise and resources of two of the world’s largest and most influential carriers.

As this partnership progresses, travelers can expect to see further improvements in the quality of service and connectivity across the U.S.-Canada border and beyond. The collaboration between Delta, Korean Air, and WestJet ensures that passengers will have access to an even more seamless and efficient travel experience, with expanded options for both leisure and business travelers alike.

Delta Air Lines and Korean Air are revolutionizing global airline alliances with their bold investments in WestJet, securing a combined 25% equity stake. This transformative move strengthens transpacific connectivity and cements powerful partnerships between the United States, South Korea, and Canada.

In conclusion, the investments by Delta and Korean Air in WestJet are a significant step forward in strengthening the partnerships between these leading airlines. As they continue to work together, travelers can look forward to even more exciting opportunities for global travel, with an expanded network of routes, improved service, and greater convenience. These strategic investments will not only benefit the airlines themselves but will also enhance the travel experience for millions of passengers worldwide.