KOREAN AIR JOINS AIR FRANCE, DELTA IN U.S. VENTURE

KOREAN AIR JOINS AIR FRANCE, DELTA IN U.S. VENTURE

Korean Air has joined Air France and Delta Air Lines in forming a joint air cargo venture that the carriers will launch in the United States later this year.

   The Atlanta-based joint venture will combine the U.S. sales forces of the three carriers. It also will provide centralized reservation management, customer service and a common product line. The company, run by managers from each carrier, will have regional offices in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.

   Korean Air's participation in the U.S. venture was widely expected after Air France, Delta and KAL agreed last year to form a global cargo alliance called SkyTeam Cargo. SkyTeam also includes Aeromexico and CSA Czech Airlines.

   “The combined freighter capabilities of Korean Air and Air France, along with the lower deck lift provided by Delta Air Lines, gives this cargo joint venture a wide range of strategic options as well as marketing abilities,” said W.Y. Lee, executive vice president of Korean Air Cargo.