Delta Applauds Open Skies Agreement Between U.S., Japan / Accord would enable deeper, more effective cooperation between Delta, Japan Air Lines

ATLANTA, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Delta Air Lines issued the following statement in response to the U.S.-Japan agreement on open skies:

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"Delta thanks negotiators from the United States and Japan for their efforts to develop an open skies agreement that will oversee aviation between the two nations. Delta Air Lines has long supported open skies in international markets, citing the well-established benefits for consumers, airline employees and investors.

"This agreement opens the door to antitrust immunity, which would enable Delta and Japan Air Lines to engage in deeper and more effective cooperation, producing greater benefits for the carriers and their customers. Delta is confident that the Department of Transportation would grant it antitrust immunity with JAL, and Delta will continue to support open skies agreements between the United States and its trading partners."

About Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines, the world's No. 1 airline, serves more than 170 million passengers each year. With its unsurpassed global network, Delta, its Northwest subsidiary and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 368 destinations in 66 countries on six continents. Delta employs more than 70,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of nearly 800 aircraft. A founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, Delta participates in the industry's leading trans-Atlantic joint venture with Air France KLM. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 16,000 daily flights, with hubs in Amsterdam, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Detroit, Memphis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York-JFK, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City and Tokyo-Narita. The airline's service includes the SkyMiles frequent flier program, the world's largest airline loyalty program; the award-winning BusinessElite service; and more than 50 Delta Sky Clubs in airports worldwide. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes, check bags and flight status at delta.com.

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Delta Air Lines

CONTACT: Delta Corporate Communications, [phone], or
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