Virgin Atlantic is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a focus on customer experience. The airline has announced three new codeshare partnerships launching this year.
The airline agreements come alongside the much-anticipated return of flights to Tel Aviv starting September 5th, 2024.
These new partnerships, set to commence this year, promise increased connectivity, enhanced benefits for frequent flyers, and a seamless travel experience.
Virgin Atlantic Returns to Tel Aviv
Virgin Atlantic will resume flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv starting September 5th, 2024. This marks the airline’s return to the route after a brief hiatus.
Daily flights will be operated on Airbus A330 aircraft, offering convenient connections to 14 US destinations via Heathrow.
These connections will be facilitated by 33 daily flights operated by Virgin Atlantic and partner Delta Air Lines.
Delta Air Lines has also confirmed its service resumption to Tel Aviv with a daily connection from New York JFK recommencing this Friday 7 June 2024.
Codeshare with EL AL Israel Airlines
Virgin Atlantic’s new codeshare partnership with EL AL expands travel options between the UK, US, and Israel.
Both airlines will place their codes on flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv. This will provide passengers with greater flexibility, with up to four daily flights to choose from.
Passengers can also expect reciprocal benefits for frequent flyers. This includes opportunities to earn and redeem points within both Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and EL AL’s Matmid program.
This includes premium customer recognition and tier benefits. Virgin Atlantic customers can access 11 US destinations with 23 daily flights through connections with EL AL from Tel Aviv to Heathrow.
SAS: Expanding the SkyTeam Network
Virgin Atlantic, the first and only UK member airline of SkyTeam, welcomes the alliance’s newest member, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, another prestigious APEX five-star airline.
Both airlines are collaborating on new partnerships that will provide improved access to key Scandinavian hubs.
This collaboration promises to offer travelers a wider range of destinations, enhanced connectivity, and a more seamless travel experience.
Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club members will be able to earn and redeem points on SAS flights once they formally join SkyTeam on September 1st, 2024.
SAS EuroBonus members will also enjoy the same benefits on Virgin Atlantic flights.
Connecting with Saudia
Virgin Atlantic has launched a new codeshare agreement with fellow SkyTeam member Saudia, offering connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Virgin Atlantic destinations.
The first phase of this agreement allows the airline’s customers traveling from the US to seamlessly connect onwards to Saudia’s services in Jeddah and Riyadh via London Heathrow and Manchester.
Earning and redeeming opportunities for Virgin Points and Tier Points have been available since March 2023, with online redemptions recently launched.
Members of Saudia’s AlFursan program can also earn and redeem points on Virgin Atlantic flights.
Conclusion
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented, “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we understand that customer choice and award-winning service are key to our success.”
“We’re thrilled to launch these codeshares with our SkyTeam partners, SAS and Saudia. These partnerships enhance connectivity and offer significant benefits to our frequent flyers, allowing them to earn rewards faster.”
“Our return to Tel Aviv on September 5th will be welcomed by those who enjoyed our service in the past, and this time it’s further strengthened by our new codeshare partnership with EL AL.”
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