Delta and Latam plan to begin codesharing during the first
quarter of 2020. The airlines inked an industry-rattling partnership in
September.
The first codeshares will include Delta's North America routes
and Latam's Peru, Colombia and Ecuador routes. The carriers have not yet
announced codeshare plans for Latam's Brazil and Chile networks.
Subject to regulatory approval, the codeshares will open up
to 51 onward destinations in South America to Delta customers and will provide
Latam customers with connecting options for up to 74 destinations in the U.S.
and Canada.
Delta will codeshare on Latam flights to 34 destinations in
South America beyond Lima. Meanwhile, Latam will codeshare on up to 74
destinations for Lima customers going beyond Miami, New York, Los Angeles and
Orlando.
In Colombia, Delta will codeshare on up to 13 Latam flights
beyond Bogota and Cartagena.
In Ecuador, Delta will codeshare on flights to up to four
destinations beyond Quito. Meanwhile, Latam’s Ecuador customers will have
access to codeshares on Delta flights serving up to 55 destinations in the U.S.
and Canada from New York.
Under the deal reached by Delta and Latam in September,
Delta will acquire 20% of the Latin American carrier. The two airlines also
intend to pursue an antitrust-immune joint venture on flights between the U.S.
and South America.
The arrangement spells the end to Latam's partnership with
American Airlines, the leading U.S. carrier in South America. In the process,
it is also upending the competitive landscape of the U.S.-South American
market.
Latam will formally end all its codeshare agreements with
American on Jan. 31. Customers purchasing American Airlines flights departing
after Jan. 31 will be entitled to the same services, with no change to flight
or ticket conditions. Latam said its agreements with American for frequent
flyer and lounge access reciprocity will remain in place until Latam leaves the
Oneworld alliance by Oct. 1.