Title: Delta Korean Air WestJet Partnership Strategic Investment Enhances North American Asian Connectivity
Delta Air Lines and Korean Air have announced a significant step in strengthening their partnerships with WestJet, the prominent Canadian airline. This strategic move is marked by their acquisition of independent equity stakes totaling 25% in WestJet for a combined investment of US\(550 million from Onex Partners, the existing private equity owner. Delta will invest US\)330 million for a 15% stake, while Korean Air will invest US$220 million for a 10% stake. This partnership expansion aims to fortify connectivity between Canada, North America, Europe, and Asia, and beyond.
This alliance not only reinforces the airlines’ interests alignment but is also designed to generate enhanced customer benefits through improved travel experiences globally. Delta, Korean Air, and WestJet have maintained strong codeshare partnerships for over a decade, further amplified by this equity investment.
Delta Air Lines reported total revenue of approximately \(15.56 billion in Q1 2025, with operating income of \)1.72 billion and net income of $843 million, underscoring its financial strength to support such strategic investments. Delta’s network serves over 290 destinations across six continents with an impressive customer base of 200 million served in 2024.
Korean Air, one of the world’s top 20 airlines, operates a modern fleet of 163 aircraft and serves 117 cities in 40 countries. The airline transported over 23 million passengers in 2024 and is recognized for its excellence in safety and customer service, holding a 5-star rating from Skytrax.
WestJet, having transformed Canadian air travel since 1996 by reducing fares by half and growing the flying population by over 50%, now supports nearly 200 aircraft and connects to more than 100 destinations globally after its integration with Sunwing in 2025.
This investment and expanded partnership reflect the airlines’ commitment to elevating transpacific connectivity and delivering a world-class travel experience. Delta CEO Ed Bastian emphasized, “Investing in a world-class partner like WestJet aligns our interests and ensures that we remain focused on providing a world-class global network and customer experience for travelers.”
Korean Air Chairman and CEO Walter Cho noted, “This strategic partnership will enhance our global network and create long-term value for customers through greater choice and convenience.”
The alliance also includes a potential transaction in which Delta may sell a 2.3% stake to Air France-KLM, further integrating global airline networks.
This strengthened tri-airline partnership supports robust transpacific and transatlantic connectivity amidst an aviation industry recovering and transforming post-pandemic, marking a significant milestone in North American and Asian travel links.
Source document: Delta Korean Air WestJet Partnership
Tags: DeltaInvestment, AviationPartnership, NorthAmericanConnectivity, TranspacificTravel, AirlineEquityStake