Delta Air Lines says it has successfully acquired the 20% equity stake in LATAM airlines group for US$1.9b, completing a deal it had announced earlier this year. In September, Delta and LATAM unveiled a strategic partnership, which the airlines say promises to “unlock growth opportunities for both airlines and offer significantly expanded travel options for customers, with access to 435 destinations worldwide”. Following a Chilean court’s decision to deny American Airlines a proposed joint venture with LATAM in May, Delta jumped in to invest the $1.9b for 20% of the Latin American airline. The aim was to gain a greater foothold in the heavily contested North America-South America market. Subsequently, LATAM left oneworld leaving American without a major partner in what had traditionally been its strongest region. <br/>