Virgin Atlantic and WestJet have announced a significant expansion of their codeshare agreement, promising enhanced travel connections between Canada, the UK, and key destinations like India.
This partnership will streamline travel for business and leisure passengers, as well as those visiting friends and family, offering improved customer benefits and seamless connectivity.
Transfers at Toronto Pearson
A key feature of this collaboration is the co-location of both airlines at Toronto Pearson International Airport’s Terminal 3.
Virgin Atlantic will partner with the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). This collaboration will ensure smooth onward connections for passengers.
This collaboration will streamline travel through Toronto to eligible destinations. A major advantage for travelers will be the ability to transfer through Toronto Pearson. They will be able to do so without the hassle of collecting and re-checking their baggage. This streamlined process will save time and reduce stress for connecting passengers.
Virgin Atlantic Returns to Toronto
Virgin Atlantic’s upcoming launch of its Toronto route next month marks the airline’s return to Canada after more than a decade.
This new route strategically links two major global financial hubs. It also reinforces Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to the Indian subcontinent, its third-largest market.
The Toronto route will offer Canadians optimal onward connectivity to Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in India. It also supports connectivity to Dubai, the Maldives, Cape Town, and Johannesburg via London Heathrow.
Expanded Reach Across Canada
The first phase of the agreement will connect passengers traveling on WestJet flights. This supports travelers coming from various Canadian cities to London via Toronto Pearson International Airport.
This connection will be facilitated by Virgin Atlantic, all on a single ticket. This means travelers can easily connect from cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Ottawa to London Heathrow.
Tickets for these connecting flights via Toronto (YYZ) go on sale February 17, 2025, with flights commencing March 30, 2025. Further enhancing the travel experience, loyalty program benefits across both Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and WestJet Rewards are expected to be rolled out later in the year.
Leadership Perspectives
Juha Jarvinen, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, emphasized the importance of the Canadian market and the airline’s commitment to providing seamless connectivity.
He highlighted the partnership with WestJet, alongside Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM. He sees this as crucial to creating a smooth travel experience for customers traveling between Canada, the UK, India, and beyond. Jarvinen also emphasized the premium, personalized service that Virgin Atlantic is known for.
John Weatherill, Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer at WestJet gave further comment. He expressed support for strengthening the partnership with Virgin Atlantic and their return to Canada.
He noted that the expanded codeshare will simplify travel and provide a more seamless experience for shared guests, strengthening the connection between Canada and the world.
Strategic Growth in Canada
Virgin Atlantic has appointed Stephen Goulding as its Canada Country Manager.
With extensive experience at WestJet, Goulding will play a key role in supporting Virgin Atlantic’s strategic growth in Canada.
He will collaborate with leaders at WestJet to expand the airline’s presence and raise awareness of the customer connectivity benefits within Canada, the UK, and other markets across the network.
This appointment underscores Virgin Atlantic’s commitment to the Canadian market and its focus on building strong partnerships to enhance the travel experience for passengers.
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