Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic have reached a milestone, celebrating 10 years of the two airlines joint venture partnership. Since the joint ventures inception, the two airlines have transported approximately 40 million passengers across the pond. Throughout the joint venture partnership, the two airlines were able to strengthen their presence in the highly contested transatlantic market.
Growing Transatlantic Benefits
Airline joint ventures can bring a handful of great benefits to the passenger. The two airlines have increased their joint daily schedule between the United States and United Kingdom to 86 daily nonstop flights. “Back in 2014, the partnership deal was a game changer for Delta enabling us to up competition on the most popular business routes between London Heathrow and the U.S., offering customers greater choice, while providing Virgin Atlantic unparalleled access to Delta’s network across North America” said Matteo Curcio, Delta’s S.V.P.-EMEAI. Regardless of whether the passenger flies on Delta Air Lines or Virgin Atlantic, it is possible to earn reciprocal miles. Additional shared benefits include access to Delta’s upcoming premium lounges when flying in Upper Class. Cargo is also gaining shared benefits a dedicated shared Cargo facility at London Heathrow. As Virgin Atlantic recently joined the Sky Team alliance, now Air France, KLM and Delta will take this partnership even further this year.