Delta cleared to complete purchase of 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic

Guardian UK - Virgin and Delta have vowed to become a "formidable competitor" on UK-US routes after the American airline was cleared to complete its purchase of a 49% stake of Sir Richard Branson's Atlantic carrier.

The two companies announced a codesharing agreement on more than 100 routes as the start of a proposed joint venture that will, with competition clearance from US authorities, be fully realised in early 2014 and allow them to coordinate timetables to maximise profits.  Read more.