Virgin Atlantic is having quite a busy year. The airline is celebrating its 40th anniversary, adding new routes and taking on new fuel efficient Airbus aircraft. On June 3, 2024 Virgin Atlantic announced three new codeshare partnerships with El AL as well as SkyTeam partners SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Saudia. The partnerships are expected to launch later this year.
Growing Codeshare Partners
Virgin Atlantic recently joined the SkyTeam Alliance in March 2023 as the alliance’s first and only UK member airline. The newest SkyTeam Member, SAS Scandinavian airlines will be joining the alliance following regulatory approvals. Through the coloration with fellow SkyTeam member SAS, Virgin Atlantic passengers will have access to new destinations, enhanced connectivity. Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club members will receive instant earning and redeeming opportunities while SAS EuroBonus members will be able to earn and redeem their points on Virgin Atlantic. Fellow SkyTeam Member Saudia will also strengthen their partnership with Virgin Atlantic. Virgin Atlantic customers travelling on flights from the US can purchase seamless onward connections through London Heathrow and Manchester, onto Saudia’s services to Jeddah and Riyadh. “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this month, we know that giving our customers more choice and award-winning service in the skies is what fuels our success, alongside working with the best partners. We’re delighted to launch codeshares with our SkyTeam partners at SAS and Saudia today, enhancing our connectivity and offering greater customer benefits to our frequent flyers, who will be able to achieve rewards faster,” said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic.
El AL & The Resumption Of Tel Aviv
After a temporary suspension of Tel Aviv Virgin Atlantic will resume service effective September 5, 2024. Virgin Atlantic will also begin partnering with Israel’s flag carrier EL AL. The two airlines will begin placing codeshare flights on their London to Israel Services. The partnership will offer reciprocal earn and redemption opportunities, as well as premium customer recognition and tier benefits for frequent flyers, including Flying Club and EL AL’s Matmid program. Passengers will receive reciprocal earn and redemption opportunities, as well as premium customer recognition and tier benefits for frequent flyers, including Flying Club and EL AL’s Matmid program. This partnership comes after EL AL and Delta began a strategic partnership of their own for flights between the New York Area and Israel. More information and booking is possible by visiting virginatlantic.com