," calling the decision "the next logical business strategy" following Delta's acquisition of Northwest Airlines. Estimated by the airlines as accounting for a quarter of transatlantic capacity and US$12 billion (€9.3 billion) annually, the joint venture spans routes to five continents and offers "competitive fares and harmonized service," they said.
Already immunized from antitrust law on transatlantic services, the partners will provide corporate customers "a broad, global offering" and "efficient account management."