Delta Air Lines and LATAM have signed a “trans-American Joint Venture Agreement,” the two sides said Thursday. 

The move will combine the two carriers’ route networks between North and South America. 

“Late last year, we set out to build the leading strategic alliance in Latin America together with LATAM, and while the industry landscape has changed, our commitment to this joint venture is as strong as ever,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “Even as our carriers contend with the impact of COVID-19 on our business and take steps to protect the safety of our customers and employees, we are also building the airline alliance we know they’ll want to fly in the future.”

While the move comes amid the coronavirus pandemic, LATAM CEO Roberto Alvo said it was important to “look to the future to ensure the best possible customer experience and support the long-term sustainability of the group.”

It’s the latest in a series of cooperative steps between the two airlines, including codeshare agreements between Delta and LATAM’s affiliates in countries like Colombia and Brazil. 

Frequent flyer members of the airlines can also earn and use their miles on the other’s flights, and vice versa. 

— CJ