LONDON – In late 2022, Virgin Atlantic announced their entrance into the SkyTeam alliance, which was due to happen in 2023. However, no exact date was confirmed until now.
From March 2, 2023, Virgin Atlantic will mark the history books as the first UK airline to join the SkyTeam alliance.
Date confirmed
Following a SkyTeam press release in September of 2022, Virgin Atlantic announced their entrance and commitment to the SkyTeam alliance, which was said to take effect in early 2023, however with an unspecified date.
It has now been revealed that March 2 is the date of choice for Virgin Atlantic to join the alliance, which will provide increased connectivity and cooperation with other major SkyTeam carriers like Delta, KLM and Air France.
With the date revealed, Virgin’s Flying Club members, as well as SkyTeam frequent flyers, can look forward to seamless journies with multiple choices and great enhancements as March is slowly coming towards us.
The formal announcement
According to the SkyTeam press release, Virgin Atlantic (VS) customers will benefit from even more opportunities in earning and redeeming miles with extensive access to a big global route network.
Together with this, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Silver and Gold members will receive a bit of Elite and Elite Plus member benefits, which are to be delivered under the SkyTeam brand.
Virgin Atlantic (VS) is already a founding member of a so-called “Joint Venture” partnership with SkyTeam members KLM, Air France and Delta.
The addition of Virgin Atlantic to SkyTeam will also make Virgin Atlantic (VS) the only UK airline within the alliance, which is set to enhance the alliance’s transatlantic network as well as services both to and from London Heathrow (LHR) and Manchester (MAN).
The members of the UK carrier’s loyalty programme will also experience a seamless customer experience, across over 1.000 destinations worldwide, as well as they will have the opportunity to redeem and earn points with fellow SkyTeam alliance members.
Together with that, they will get access to a network containing over 750 lounges across six continents, according to their statement.
As the airline is ready to join the SkyTeam alliance, codeshare agreements with AeroMexico (AM) and the Middle Eastern carriers are already in place, and there are more to come.
Interline agreements with all SkyTeam members, are already in place, creating a seamless one-ticket-journey, as well as providing a one-touch-point for all customers.
Enhanced benefits
Already at day one of Virgin Atlantic’s membership in the alliance, Virgin’s Flying Club members will enjoy significant benefits, as they will see the global expansion of SkyTeam’s loyalty offerings.
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Silver members, will receive a SkyTeam status marking them as SkyTeam Elite members. The Flying Club Gold card-holders will receive a SkyTeam Elite Plus status, providing a wide range of benefits which consists of: Priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding.
As the airline is set to join the alliance in early 2023, these benefits will be available for the members as written.
