Delta Air Lines and Korean Air reached an agreement to create a leading trans-Pacific joint venture in scope and service, offering an enhanced and expanded network, industry-leading products and a seamless experience between the United States and Asia.

The agreement deepens the partnership between the two carriers, which spans nearly two decades and began when both carriers became co-founders of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. The venture creates a combined network serving more than 290 destinations in the Americas and more than 80 in Asia.

“Together, Delta and Korean Air are building a world-class partnership that will offer more destinations, outstanding airport facilities and an unmatched customer experience on the trans-Pacific,” said Ed Bastian, chief executive officer, Delta. “By combining the strengths of our two companies, we are building a stronger airline for our employees, customers and investors.”

The joint venture will augment the airlines’ capabilities in the trans-Pacific market and provide the necessary scale and scope to compete in the market. The carriers will lay groundwork for implementing all aspects of the venture to include expanded codesharing in the trans-Pacific market, joint sales and marketing initiatives in both countries, co-location at key hubs with seamless passenger and baggage experience, enhanced frequent-flyer benefits and increased belly cargo cooperation across the trans-Pacific.

The carriers will share costs and revenues on flights within the scope of the joint venture, working to expand service options for travelers. In anticipation of the continued partnership, Delta launched a new non-stop service Atlanta (ATL)–Seoul (ICN), complementing Korean Air’s existing service. Korean Air will continue to expand its United States–Korea network with an introduction of a third round-trip flight, Los Angeles (LAX)–Seoul, as well as a second San Francisco (SFO)–Seoul flight.