Virgin Blue In Code Share Deal With Delta

Australian airline Virgin Blue plans a code sharing tie-up with US carrier Delta Air Lines to allow the two carriers to compete better on routes between the US, Australia and the South Pacific, Virgin said Thursday.

In advance of their joint venture, the carriers are moving to implement code sharing, frequent flyer program reciprocity and lounge exchange privileges, the Virgin statement said.

The two will file antitrust immunity applications with the US Department of Transportation and with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.