Delta-Virgin Atlantic deal gets final approval

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines on Monday received final approval for a deal with British carrier Virgin Atlantic, aimed at bolstering its competitive position in the crucial trans-Atlantic market.

The approval is the final piece needed for the full rollout of a partnership launched with Delta’s purchase of a 49 percent stake of Virgin Atlantic..

The antitrust immunity granted by the U.S. Department of Transportation allows Delta and Virgin Atlantic to coordinate routes, schedules and prices on flights between North America and the United Kingdom.

Delta also on Monday unveiled a new schedule for flights on Delta and Virgin Atlantic from New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to London Heathrow Airport — featuring flights every half hour during the peak early evening period and then hourly until 10:30 p.m.