Delta Seen Tempted by Richest Travel Market Via Virgin Stake

Delta Air Lines Inc.’s interest in buying a stake in Virgin Atlantic Airways Ltd. would position the U.S. carrier to grab more of the world’s most lucrative market for premium passengers.

Talks are under way for Delta to acquire Singapore Airlines Ltd.’s 49 percent of Virgin Atlantic, two people familiar with the matter said. An agreement could let Virgin form a trans-Atlantic venture with Delta and SkyTeam alliance partner Air France-KLM Group to serve London’s Heathrow airport.