Virgin Atlantic Airways and SkyTeam to boost aviation alliance

The move targets key London market as a part of global airline partnerships network.

With the occasion, London Heathrow hub and multiple transatlantic flights will be available for passengers via SkyTeam network, while boosting competition with Oneworld, Star Alliance and more.

Travellers choosing Virgin Atlantic and SkyTeam membership will enjoy both-ways benefits, including lounge access and loyalty programs, code-share agreements, as well as better connectivity across alliance members.

“Our membership will allow us to enhance established relationships with our valued partners at Delta and Air France-KLM, as well as opening up opportunities to collaborate with new airlines,” It will enable a seamless customer experience, with an expanded network and maximized loyalty benefits,” commented Shai Weiss, Virgin Atlantic’s CEO.

Moreover, the alliance is set to boost connectivity from Heathrow airport.

“As a member of SkyTeam, Virgin Atlantic will benefit from increased opportunities to expand its global network through partnerships and synergies. We are excited to have them as part of the SkyTeam family,” SkyTeam CEO Kristin Colvile added.

The partnership follows the latest trend of the global alliance model, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic when airlines began to rely on their partners due to aviation crisis.

“What we’ve been saying to our stakeholders in Oneworld is that ‘it’s not that you’re wrong, alliances provide this ecosystem that all these bilateral and trilateral partnerships can exist,” Oneworld CEO Rob Gurney stated.

Oneworld alliance lost Latam, but gained Alaska Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, RwandAir is currently considering Oneworld membership.

On the other hand, Air France-KLM and Delta are set to seal a strategic partnership with ITA in order to strengthen its financial position on the market.

 

source: airlineweekly.com