Australia Virgin Blue in deal with Delta Airlines

SYDNEY, July 9 (Reuters) - Australian airline Virgin Blue (VBA.AX) plans a codesharing tie-up with U.S. carrier Delta Airlines (DAL.N) to allow the two carriers to compete better on routes between the U.S., Australia and the South Pacific, Virgin said in Thursday.

In advance of their joint venture, the carriers are moving forward to implement codesharing, frequent flyer program reciprocity and lounge exchange privileges, the Virgin statement said.

The two will file antitrust immunity applications with the U.S. Department of Transportation and with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission. (Reporting by Jonathan Standing)