Delta Air Lines (NYSE:  DAL) today issued the following statement applauding a decision by the Australia Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to grant authorization to Delta and the Virgin Blue Airlines Group (ASX: VBA) to enter into a joint venture on their flights between Australia and the United States.

“The ACCC’s decision recognizes the increased competition and consumer benefits that Delta and the Virgin Blue Airlines Group will create by expanding their cooperation across the Pacific. Delta appreciates the ACCC’s thorough review of the alliance and its finding that ‘the joint venture is likely to enable the applicants to compete more vigorously and effectively against the established carriers on the route’ and that it ‘furthers the Government of Australia’s key policy rationale in entering into an Open Skies Agreement with the United States.’

“Delta and V Australia are eager to move forward with their joint venture, and to bring new services to the market. We look forward to a similar decision from the U.S. Department of Transportation and urge the DOT to quickly conclude its review so consumers can begin to enjoy the important benefits of the alliance identified by the ACCC.”

More information on the ACCC’s decision is available at www.accc.gov.au.