Virgin Atlantic will join the global SkyTeam alliance from early 2023, enhancing SkyTeam’s offering at both London Heathrow and Manchester airports. Customers will benefit from access to an extensive global network, more opportunities to earn miles, and other perks.
On Tuesday (September 27, 2022), Virgin Atlantic announced that they will be joining the SkyTeam global alliance from early 2023, expanding the alliance’s offer from both London Heathrow and Manchester airports. Customers will benefit in many ways with access to an extensive global network of over 1,000 destinations, 750+ lounges, and more opportunities to earn and redeem miles. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Silver and Gold members will receive a variety of Elite and Elite Plus member benefits delivered under the SkyPriority brand, including priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding. Virgin Atlantic is already a founding partner of a Joint Venture with SkyTeam members Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO, Shai Weiss, said,
“At Virgin Atlantic we strive to create thoughtful experiences that feel different for our customers and SkyTeam shares that customer first ethos. 2022 marks the year Virgin Atlantic gets back to its best for our customers and people and joining SkyTeam is an important milestone. Our membership will allow us to enhance established relationships with our valued partners at Delta and Air France-KLM, as well as opening up opportunities to collaborate with new airlines. It will enable a seamless customer experience, with an expanded network and maximised loyalty benefits.”
Also commenting on Virgin Atlantic’s SkyTeam membership, SkyTeam’s Chairman, Walter Cho, said,
“Virgin Atlantic is synonymous with innovation and excellent service, an iconic British airline with a global outlook that puts customers at the heart of its operations - like SkyTeam and its members - and we are delighted to welcome them into our alliance.”
SkyTeam’s Chief Executive Officer, Kristin Colvile, added,
“As a member of SkyTeam, Virgin Atlantic will benefit from increased opportunities to expand its global network through partnerships and synergies: customers will have more ways to earn and burn miles while enjoying the service for which Virgin Atlantic is renowned. Virgin Atlantic shares SkyTeam’s values, caring for our customers, our employees, and the world in which they live, and we are excited to have them as part of the SkyTeam family.”
Virgin Atlantic already has codeshare agreements in place with Aeromexico and Middle East Airlines (MEA), with more options for codeshares to follow. Additionally, the carrier currently has interline agreements with all SkyTeam members. In partnership with Delta and Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic currently flies to 12 U.S. destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco. In May 2022, the carrier launched new service to Austin, Texas, and will start daily service to Tampa, Florida from November. Virgin Atlantic also offers and extensive Caribbean portfolio with service to Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica and the Bahamas, as well as to destinations in Asia, India, Israel, Pakistan and South Africa.
SkyTeam is committed to powering a seamless customer journey, with all members working together to connect millions of passengers across an extensive worldwide network. Current members include Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines, and XiamenAir.
Founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, Virgin Atlantic has brought innovation and the highest level of customer care to the airline industry. The carrier was voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX in 2021 for the fifth consecutive year. Headquartered in London, Virgin Atlantic employs 6,500 team members worldwide. The airline currently serves 27 destinations across four continents. Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading network between the US and UK, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. By the end of 2022, Virgin Atlantic will operate an efficient and simplified fleet of 38 twin-engine aircraft, delivering a 10 percent savings compared to the aircraft they replace.
Source: Virgin Atlantic