Virgin Atlantic is growing their far east presence with the help of China Eastern. The two SkyTeam alliance airlines announced a new codeshare agreement on January 30, 2024. Through the agreement, the two airlines will strengthen key destinations throughout East Asia and within China. Over the next couple of months exciting reciprocal benefits will be rolled out.
Unlocking New Destinations
As part of the initial rollout of the partnership agreement, passengers booking through Virgin Atlantic will be able to connect through Shanghai to Chengdu, Changsha, Qingdao, Shenzhen, and Xi’an with just one ticket. Subject to government approval, China Eastern passengers will be able to connect in London Heathrow (LHR) onwards to Virgin Atlantic destinations including, Jamaica, Nassau, Lagos, Cape Town and Johannesburg. This will be a win-win for connecting passengers, making seamless connections from one airline to another. This is a welcome trend that is growing in the airline industry across the globe.
Enhanced Partner Benefits
Through Virgin Atlantic’s SkyTeam Alliance membership, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold, and Silver members as well as China Eastern Miles members can enjoy shared SkyPriority services at London Heathrow and Shanghai like priority check in, baggage and boarding. Soon, the airline will make it possible to earn redemption miles on China Eastern codeshare flights. “Our new codeshare with China Eastern, a fellow SkyTeam partner, will serve continued demand fortravel to the region and strengthens our commitment to China and East Asia. We know these agreements bring plenty of benefits to our customers, from increased network scope to China and beyond, to reciprocal loyalty rewards for our Flying Club members,” said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic.