Korean Air and Delta’s Ongoing Environmental Initiatives Continue with Beach Cleanup in Santa Monica

(IN SHORT) Korean Air and Delta Air Lines have once again teamed up for a beach cleanup competition in Santa Monica, marking their second consecutive year of participation. The event, organized in collaboration with Heal the Bay, saw employees from both airlines removing hundreds of pounds of litter from the coastline. This cleanup is part of the Korean Air-Delta Joint Venture’s broader environmental efforts, which also include global initiatives like tree planting and community projects. The event featured an educational session on marine pollution and fostered a sense of community through teamwork. The joint venture, celebrating its sixth anniversary, has significantly contributed to the global network, benefiting millions of customers with seamless services.

(PRESS RELEASE) SANTA MONICA, CA, 2025-Apr-28 — /Travel PR News/ — For the second consecutive year, Korean Air and Delta Air Lines have joined forces to safeguard Southern California’s coastline, taking part in a spirited beach cleanup competition on April 24 near the renowned Santa Monica Pier. The event was organized in partnership with Heal the Bay, a prominent environmental nonprofit based in California.

A total of 45 employees from both airlines were divided into teams of four to participate in the “Suits on the Sand” challenge. This friendly competition led to the removal of hundreds of pounds of waste, including numerous cigarette butts, leaving a lasting environmental impact on one of Los Angeles’ most cherished beaches.

This cleanup is part of the ongoing efforts by the Korean Air-Delta Joint Venture to create a positive environmental and social impact. In its sixth year, the partnership has also driven initiatives such as tree planting in Mongolia, river cleanups in Seoul, and building homes with Habitat for Humanity around the world.

Prior to the cleanup, participants received an educational session on marine pollution and coastal preservation, led by a Heal the Bay educator. The event then transitioned into a competitive, hands-on cleanup that encouraged teamwork and community involvement.

“It’s incredible to witness everyone unite for a common cause,” said K.H. Lee, General Manager and Head of Passenger Business for the Americas. “Just as we collaborate in the skies, we are stronger when working together on the ground. This effort is a small way to show our gratitude to the Los Angeles community, especially after the devastation caused by recent wildfires. We stand in solidarity with our friends and neighbors affected by those events.”

“We’re proud to be collaborating with Korean Air to create a meaningful impact in the communities we serve,” said Rob LeBel, Managing Director, International & Specialty Sales at Delta Air Lines. “By participating in this cleanup at Santa Monica Bay, we’re giving back to a city that has been crucial to our joint venture’s global network.”

About the Korean Air and Delta Joint Venture

The partnership between Korean Air and Delta Air Lines celebrates its sixth anniversary this year, marking a period of continued success. Since launching in May 2018, the joint venture has served over 9 million customers. The two airlines currently offer 18 peak-day departures between Seoul-Incheon and the United States, providing access to more than 290 destinations across the Americas and over 80 destinations in Asia.

Each day, more than 4,000 customers connect between the two carriers at Incheon, a 40% increase over the past six years. Korean Air and Delta have worked closely together to develop seamless services and products, including synchronized flight schedules, reciprocal mileage benefits, and convenient check-in experiences.

About Heal the Bay

Founded in 1985, Heal the Bay is a nonprofit organization committed to improving Southern California’s coastal waters and watersheds. The organization works through science, education, community action, and advocacy to make the region’s waters safe, healthy, and clean for all to enjoy.

SOURCE: KOREAN AIR