However, he notes that the latter is partly solved by further co-operation with Brazilian low-cost carrier Gol. "It is now engaged and committed with its Delta strategic partnership and completed the engagement on the European side with Air France this year," Wisbrun says. In February, the French carrier agreed a co-operation deal under which it is investing $100 million in the Brazilian airline – similar to its earlier partnership with Delta. "Gol will play an important role in the footprint of the network of SkyTeam," he adds. Meanwhile, earlier this year Delta launched its joint venture on transatlantic routes with Virgin Atlantic, after its acquisition of a 49% stake in the UK carrier. Virgin remains outside SkyTeam, however, and the venture is separate to Delta's transatlantic partnership with SkyTeam partners Air France-KLM and Alitalia.