Delta SVP alliances: We are equity holders in our JV partners, which creates stability

Delta Air Lines SVP alliances Perry Cantarutti, speaking at the CAPA Airline Leader Summit Americas, stated (27-May-2026) "Partnerships at Delta are a really essential part of our international business in particular, especially joint ventures", adding: "85% of Delta's international revenue is covered by the scope of our JVs". Mr Cantarutti said: "We think that we do JVs quite differently than our competitors. Ours are different because the incentive model that we use is based on profit, not based on revenue. So it's about creating a better bottom line for the entire group of carriers, which we think allows us to make better choices for the customer, because we're a little more neutral about who's flying what". He continued: "One of the other things that I think is really different for Delta is that we are equity holders, minority equity holders in our joint venture partners. That's not an essential part of having a JV, but for us, it creates some stability. By putting equity into those partners, we reduce risk and create long-term stability. LATAM Airlines Group is a great example of this. Also Virgin Atlantic Airways, which was the first equity investment that we made". [more - CAPA TV]