The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) granted Delta Air Lines and Scandinavian Airline Systems (SAS) expanded authority to engage in reciprocal code-sharing operations. The decision, effective immediately, allows Delta and SAS to place their respective designator codes on each other’s flights, strengthening their operational partnership across the Atlantic and within Europe. However, this approval comes amid objections from JetBlue Airways, which raised concerns about inequities in the code-share approval process between the U.S. and certain EU member states.
Delta’s amended exemption allows it to offer scheduled foreign air transportation of passengers, cargo, and mail via code-sharing on flights operated by its global partners. Specifically, this includes SAS flights between the United States, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and points beyond. SAS will similarly place its code on Delta-operated flights between the U.S. and these Nordic countries, enabling seamless travel for passengers across both carriers.
Additionally, SAS’s affiliates—SAS Connect, SAS Link, and CityJet—are authorized to display Delta’s “DL*” code on intra-European flights. This agreement boosts Delta’s footprint in Europe, offering more travel options for passengers connecting through SAS-operated routes across the continent.
JetBlue’s objections to the agreement
The DOT decision follows concerns raised by JetBlue, which filed objections in July and August 2024. JetBlue argued that it faces delays in approvals from Italy and Croatia for its own code-sharing agreements with Air Serbia, which would allow JetBlue to operate U.S.-Italy and U.S.-Croatia services. JetBlue noted an “asymmetry in reciprocity,” pointing out that Delta, United, and American Airlines are already code-sharing on similar routes between the U.S., EU, and European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) points, while JetBlue’s requests are still pending.
JetBlue highlighted a “lack of transparency” in how EU member states interpret the ECAA Agreement, especially regarding countries like Serbia. The airline stressed that Croatia and Italy’s rejections created an unfair competitive environment, while similar services from U.S. and European airlines were being approved.
Despite JetBlue’s objections, the DOT found no reason to delay the Delta-SAS approval. After consulting with foreign aeronautical authorities, the agency confirmed that some bilateral agreements between EU member states and Balkan countries affect JetBlue’s applications. Nevertheless, Delta and SAS’s code-sharing requests were fully aligned with the U.S.-EU Air Transport Agreement, which governs their operations.
The DOT emphasized that the public interest required prompt approval of the Delta-SAS code-share agreement, as delaying it would run counter to international agreements. JetBlue’s situation—relying on a non-EU carrier (Air Serbia) and non-EU points (Belgrade)—was deemed different from Delta and SAS’s application.
While the Department will continue engaging with EU authorities to address JetBlue’s requests, it found no grounds to impede the Delta-SAS arrangement.
