VIRGINAtlantic and Air Jamaica are drawing up plans for widespread co-operation on London-Caribbean routes.
The chairmen of both airlines, Richard Branson and Butch Stewart, have signed a letter of intent to explore the ways of sharing operations from Heathrow and Gatwick.
These are expected to include codesharing, co-operation on frequent-flyer agreements and airport services.
Passengers can expect tangible benefits from the alliance by summer 2000 at the earliest.
The deal will give Virgin access to the Jamaica market following the launch of services to Barbados, Antigua and St Lucia last year.
Air Jamaica serves Montego Bay and Kingston with five weekly flights from Heathrow.
The carrier will look to codeshare on Virgin’s Caribbean and US flights.
Meanwhile, Virgin has started the £37m refurbishment of Upper Class. One Boeing 747 serving New York has so far been upgraded with new interiors, bar and beauty areas.
New bed-seats arrive in the first two months of 2000. Double bed-seats will be fitted in the summer.
The upgrade will be complete by the end of next year.
New meal options and in-flight products are also being offered.