Delta LATAM Joint Venture Expands Routes and Capacity
The Delta-LATAM joint venture has carried 17.4 million passengers since 2022, adding new routes and significantly increasing flight capacity.
The Delta-LATAM joint venture transported 17.4 million passengers between October 2022 and July 2026. The partnership has added new transcontinental routes and increased frequencies, strengthening connections between North and South America.
New routes added during the period include São Paulo-Los Angeles and Buenos Aires-Miami, both operated by LATAM. Delta increased frequencies to São Paulo and Bogotá and added seasonal reinforcements to Santiago and Buenos Aires. From Atlanta, Delta’s main hub, the Atlanta-Lima route was added, operated by LATAM from October 2023 using Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. Since the start of the agreement, the airlines operated 28 joint routes, nine of which were added during the period. The Buenos Aires-Miami route began on December 1, 2025, operated by LATAM using Boeing 787 aircraft. It operates daily as an extension from Santiago with fifth freedom rights at Ezeiza.
Growth in capacity and passenger numbers
Over four years, the partnership operated 83,000 combined flights and offered more than 20 million seats. For 2026, the airlines project a combined capacity 31% higher than in 2023. Capacity growth varied significantly by country.
| Country | Capacity Growth (2026 vs. 2023) |
|---|---|
| Ecuador | 64% |
| Brazil | Nearly 33% |
| Peru | 25% |
| Colombia | Approximately 10% |
As a result of Argentina's addition to the venture, combined capacity increased by nearly 47% in 2026 compared with 2025. Ramiro Alfonsin noted that since the start of the agreement, the proportion of passengers who would recommend traveling with LATAM and Delta has increased by 50%.
Loyalty and customer benefits
Members of LATAM Pass and Delta SkyMiles can earn and redeem miles on eligible flights operated by the partner airline. Approximately 1.4 million members have earned eligible miles or points since the start of the agreement. Loyalty benefits are shared across six countries.
Eligible customers receive reciprocal benefits including priority check-in and boarding, seat selection, and baggage-related benefits. Elite passengers have access to more than 53 Delta Sky Club lounges in the United States and six LATAM lounges in South America and Miami. LATAM Lounges are located at airports in Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, Bogotá, São Paulo, and Miami. Lounge access is available based on cabin, membership status, and frequent flyer program.
Future expansion and fleet plans
The airlines point to new aircraft deliveries as a foundation for further route growth and network enhancements. For the next phase, they cited the arrival of the Airbus A321XLR at LATAM and Delta’s fleet renewal as a basis for opening new routes and increasing frequencies.
LATAM has 13 Airbus A321XLR aircraft on order and expects first deliveries in 2027. The airline plans to use them in secondary cities in Europe and the United States. Ramiro Alfonsin said the goal is to "offer our passengers more destinations and better connections, integrating two highly complementary networks."
