(29/09/22)
Virgin Atlantic has confirmed that it will join
SkyTeam in early 2023.
Virgin will become SkyTeam’s first and only
UK-based member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic
network with services to and from Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester
Airport (MAN).
Virgin Atlantic customers will benefit from a
seamless customer experience to more than 1,000 global
destinations, have more opportunities to earn and
redeem points across member airlines, and will gain access to a
network of over 750 airport lounges.
Virgin Atlantic Silver Card
holders will be recognised as SkyTeam Elite Members, whilst the
airline’s Gold Card members will become Elite Plus.
“Joining SkyTeam is an
important milestone,” said Shai Weiss, CEO Virgin Atlantic. “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.”
Virgin Atlantic’s entry into the alliance builds
upon the success of its transatlantic joint venture partnership
with Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM, each already long
established SkyTeam members.
The four partners are co-located at
London Heathrow’s Terminal Three, alongside existing SkyTeam
members Aeromexico and China Eastern, providing customers with
smooth airside transits.
Virgin flies to 12 destinations
throughout the USA in partnership with Delta and Air France-KLM
including New York, Los Angeles, Miami and San Francisco. In May
the airline launched a brand-new service to Austin, Texas and will
start daily flights to Tampa, Florida from November.
The carrier also operates an extensive Caribbean portfolio including
Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica and Bahamas; as well as services to Greater China, India, Israel, Nigeria,
Pakistan and South Africa.
Walter Cho, SkyTeam Chairman, 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.”
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