Vietnam Airlines joins Delta's SkyTeam

Delta Air Lines Inc. has further expanded its SkyTeam alliance of global carriers with the addition of Vietnam Airlines, the carriers announced Thursday.

With the new partnership, Atlanta-based Delta (NYSE: DAL) now has alliances with three Asian carriers, including longtime partners Korean Air and China Southern Airlines. A fourth Asian partner is in the works.

“SkyTeam continues to improve Delta customers' access to some of the globe's most important commercial and tourism destinations," Delta CEO Richard Anderson said in a news release. "The addition of Vietnam's leading airline to SkyTeam positions our alliance as the fastest growing in Asia and builds on the planned

addition of China Eastern Airlines."

In mid-July, Vietnam Airlines will start code-share service with Delta via the world’s largest carrier’s Tokyo hub, Delta said. Delta offers direct connections to Tokyo’s Narita Airport from 10 U.S. cities, including Atlanta.

Delta passengers now have immediate access to airport lounges in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and will be able to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles with the purchase of a Vietnam Airlines ticket.

The partnership with Vietnam Airlines adds 20 cities to the alliance.

Read more: Vietnam Airlines joins Delta's SkyTeam - Atlanta Business Chronicle