Delta Air Lines (DL, Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) and El Al Israel Airlines (LY, Tel Aviv Ben Gurion) have signed an agreement to establish a strategic partnership encompassing reciprocal code-share and frequent flyer benefits.

"Working closely with El Al will further strengthen Delta's connection to Israel by offering more customers unrivalled access to destinations across the US," Delta's Senior Vice-President (Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India) Matteo Curcio said.

"As part of implementing our company's strategic plan, we have set a goal to strengthen our market share in North America, including expanding services, route network, frequencies, and benefits for our customers," El Al Chief Executive Dina Ben Tal said.

The ch-aviation Commercial Aviation Operator Schedule Data module shows El Al currently operates five routes to the US, connecting Tel Aviv Ben Gurion with Delta hubs at Boston, Los Angeles International, and New York JFK, as well Miami International and New York Newark. The Israeli flag carrier has a 41.5% market share by weekly scheduled capacity between Israel and the US. In turn, Delta operates to Tel Aviv from Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson, Boston, and JFK, and has a 19% share. The market is also served by United Airlines and American Airlines.

El Al is not a member of any of the global airline alliances and already has code-share agreements with American Airlines and JetBlue Airways in the United States.