Delta Air Lines said it will create a trans-Pacific joint venture with Korean Air Lines, as the US carrier rapidly builds out its international route network. The two airlines already code-share on some routes. Both are founding members of SkyTeam and received US DoT antitrust authority to more closely cooperate in 2002. They didn't act on that regulatory green light until now. In anticipation of the expanded partnership, Delta recently launched nonstop service to Seoul from its Atlanta hub, complementing Korean Air's existing flight. "Now is the right time for this JV," said Korean Air chairman Y.H. Cho. Delta and Korean said the enhanced agreement would expand code-sharing, more closely link frequent-flier awards and bring the carriers' gates closer together at key airports. <br/>