Virgin Atlantic today confirmed it is formally joining the SkyTeam global airline alliance.
The airline becomes the group’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester airports.
Virgin Atlantic’s entry into the alliance builds on its transatlantic joint venture with US partner Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM, each SkyTeam members.
Passengers will see a consistent, seamless customer experience, across 1,000 global destinations in more than 170 countries, according to the carrier.
Customers can book every SkyTeam member flight on a single ticket, checking in with baggage once through to their final destination.
The UK carrier is co-located at Heathrow Terminal 3 alongside Delta and other SkyTeam members Aeromexico and China Eastern.
Members of the airline’s Flying Club frequent flyer scheme will be able to earn points on SkyTeam member airlines including Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, Korean Air, MEA, Saudia, Tarom, Vietnam Airlines and XiamenAir alongside Delta and Air France-KLM.
Chief executive Shai Weiss said: “SkyTeam shares a customer first ethos that mirrors our own and our entry into the alliance today marks an important milestone in achieving our vision to become the most-loved travel company.
“We want to reward those who choose to fly with Virgin Atlantic and our Flying Club members deserve the very best loyalty proposition. Our SkyTeam membership offers this through a global network of maximised reward opportunities, alongside enhanced services on the ground and in the skies.”
SkyTeam chief executive and managing director Patrick Roux added:“We are delighted to welcome Virgin Atlantic into SkyTeam, taking an already close relationship to new heights and elevating our customer offering with more routes to exciting destinations and access to aspirational airport lounges – not to mention the airline’s world-famous flair.
“The UK is a key market for SkyTeam and with Virgin Atlantic on board, customers can look forward to more opportunities to earn and redeem miles as they fly, enjoying the iconic travel experience that makes our newest member a globally loved airline.”