Delta announced today that they are seeking regulatory approval for a joint venture with Virgin Blue to give each other’s carriers access to the network in the US and in the South Pacific. This is great news for those who were thinking about redeeming to Australia on the LAX-SYD Delta flight that began on June 1.

About Virgin Blue

Nine-year old Virgin Blue Airlines Group carries 18 million guests annually and comprises Australia’s domestic airline Virgin Blue, Long Haul international airline V Australia, New Zealand-based Pacific Blue and Polynesian Blue*, a joint venture airline with the Government of Samoa. Together the airlines operate a fleet of 80 modern Boeing 737-NGs, Boeing 777 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 28 Australian and 13 international destinations in the U.S., South Pacific and Southeast Asia. The airline group is much acclaimed for outstanding guest service. Recently, Virgin Blue was awarded Australia’s highest national customer service accolade. The airline was acknowledged as having the highest customer service standards of any organization at the 2008 Australian customer Service Institute Awards.
Also in 2008 Australian travel agents again voted Virgin Blue Australia’s “Best National Airline” and “Best Regional Airline” at the annual National Travel Industry Awards (NITA). Velocity, the airline’s loyalty program, was recently awarded 2009 “Program of the Year” in the global Freddie Awards, which recognize the world’s most outstanding airline frequent flyer programs.
*Polynesian Blue is not included in the joint venture alliance.