DAL Delta Air Lines Inc

Delta Air Lines Inc. and Grupo Aeromexico filed for antitrust immunity Tuesday, in an effort to compete on routes between the U.S. and Mexico via a new joint venture.

The carriers are planning a $1.5 billion venture and applied for antitrust immunity with the U.S. Department of Transportation as well as with Mexico's Federal Economic Competition Commission. Approval by both countries would allow the carriers to align their networks and scheduling while sharing costs and revenue on flights between the U.S. and Mexico.

In 2012, Delta invested $65 million in Grupo Aeromexico, the parent company of Aeromexico. The two together offer about 4,000 weekly codeshare flights. Through the proposed joint venture, Delta and Aeromexico say they plan to offer an expanded network as well as improved connecting experience.

A joint venture between Delta and Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. received antitrust immunity in 2013.

Write to Lisa Beilfuss at lisa.beilfuss@wsj.com

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