Virgin Atlantic will join SkyTeam

In order to improve the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport, Virgin Atlantic will join SkyTeam as the first and only carrier from the United Kingdom.

Customers of Virgin Atlantic will enjoy a consistent, seamless customer experience at more than 1,000 international locations. Additionally, they will gain access to a network of more than 750 airport lounges spread across six continents and more possibilities to accrue and redeem points across member airlines.

The airline’s Flying Club members will benefit significantly from the moment they sign up thanks to an international extension of its loyalty program. Virgin Atlantic Gold Card members will become Elite Plus members, while Silver Card holders will be recognized as SkyTeam Elite Members.

Benefits from this distinction include priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding. The advantages will be available to Flying Club members as soon as Virgin Atlantic officially joins SkyTeam, which is anticipated in early 2023.

The success of Virgin Atlantic’s transatlantic joint venture collaboration with Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM—both long-standing SkyTeam members—is strengthened by the airline’s admission into the alliance. Along with current SkyTeam members Aeromexico and China Eastern, the four partners are co-located in Terminal 3 of London Heathrow to provide customers seamless airside transits and the quickest connections.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss said: “At Virgin Atlantic we strive to create thoughtful experiences that feel different for our customers and SkyTeam shares that customer first ethos. 2022 marks the year Virgin Atlantic gets back to its best for our customers and people and joining SkyTeam is an important milestone. 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 maximised loyalty benefits.”

SkyTeam Chairman, Walter Cho said: “Virgin Atlantic is synonymous with innovation and excellent service, an iconic British airline with a global outlook that puts customers at the heart of its operations – like SkyTeam and its members – and we are delighted to welcome them into our alliance.”

In collaboration with Delta and Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic offers flights to 12 locations across the USA, including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and San Francisco. The airline introduced a brand-new service to Austin, Texas, in May, and starting in November, it will operate daily flights to Tampa, Florida. Along with operating a sizable Caribbean network, Virgin Atlantic also manages Antigua, Barbados, Jamaica, and The Bahamas. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic offers travel options to South Africa, Greater China, India, Israel, Nigeria, and Pakistan.