Delta, Virgin Atlantic And the Stakes for Fliers Delta Air Lines recently agreed to buy a 49 percent stake in Virgin Atlantic from Singapore Airlines for $360 million. The deal is a boon for both carriers, giving Delta greater access to Heathrow Airport, one of the world's busiest hubs, and Virgin Atlantic greater capacity to send passengers to New York, one of the most popular international destinations. But is it a boon for fliers? Customers of both airlines will eventually benefit, said Julie Southern, chief commercial officer of Virgin Atlantic, right. "We're moving as quickly as possible to put in place customer reciprocity for flier miles and each other's lounges," she said. Ms. Southern added that if the airlines are granted antitrust immunity, which may take nine to 12 months, they will be able to integrate their networks and schedules, giving passengers more options, much as their competitors British Airways and American Airlines have done through their partnership.