Korean Air and Delta Join WestJet

Leading global aviation carriers Delta Air Lines and Korean Air have made a strategic investment in Canada-based airline WestJet. The two companies have jointly acquired a 25 percent stake in WestJet. As part of the investment, Delta paid $330 million for a 15 percent stake, while Korean Air paid $220 million for a 10 percent stake.

The investment is part of a strategy to expand global networks and enhance customer experience for both airlines, which have long had partnerships with WestJet.

The shares were acquired from Onex, the private equity firm that owns WestJet. “We welcome this partnership,” said Tawfiq Popathy, co-chairman of Onex Partners.

Air France-KLM Also Joins the Process

Under the agreement, Delta reserves the right to sell its 2.3 percent stake in WestJet to Air France-KLM for $50 million, further diversifying WestJet’s partnership structure.

“Investing with a world-class partner like WestJet aligns well with our goal of strengthening our global network and delivering the best experience for our passengers,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian, emphasizing that Delta’s investments in international partnerships are reshaping the future of global travel.

Korean Air CEO Walter Cho said, “Through this strategic partnership, we will further strengthen our transpacific connections. We will offer our passengers more choice and convenience.”

Delta Expands Global Partnership Portfolio

Delta has invested in many global airlines, including Air France-KLM, LATAM, Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic, China Eastern and Korean Air's parent company Hanjin KAL.

WestJet CEO Alexis von Hoensbroech said the investment was “a demonstration of confidence in WestJet’s differentiated performance in recent years and the dedication of its employees.”

With the new partnership structure, WestJet is expected to become a more integrated carrier both in North America and globally.