Delta-Virgin takes up battle for New York-London fliers

Delta Air Lines (DAL) has been making inroads in the dogfight over the lucrative market for business travel between New York and London, but the newly merged American Airlines Group (AAL.O) is fighting back. Delta is hoping to attract customers through its new partnership with Virgin Atlantic, known for its high-tech and non-traditional approach to flying, and its own boosted profile in New York, where it expanded flights and renovated terminals. That convenience can win over corporate accounts, locking in lucrative business travelers. American and joint venture partner British Airways (IAG.L) have an estimated 59 percent share of seats flown between the United States and London's Heathrow airport, compared with about 24 percent for Delta and Virgin, and United Continental Holdings Inc's (UAL) 14 percent share, according to a U.S. government filing by Delta and Virgin.

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