Virgin Atlantic is reinforcing its commitment to providing exceptional customer experiences and expanding its global reach through strategic partnerships. The airline has recently announced new codeshare agreements with EL AL, SAS Scandinavian Airlines, and Saudia, further enriching travel options and benefits for its valued customers and frequent flyers. These collaborations not only broaden Virgin Atlantic’s network but also enhance connectivity to key destinations across the globe, particularly between the UK, Israel, the US, Scandinavia, and Saudi Arabia. This move underscores Virgin Atlantic’s dedication to offering a comprehensive and rewarding travel ecosystem through its network of esteemed airline partners.
Virgin Atlantic and EL AL Forge a Partnership Connecting the UK, Israel, and the United States
Virgin Atlantic has long been a preferred choice for travelers on routes between the UK and Israel, since its initial launch in September 2019. Demonstrating its commitment to this vital route, Virgin Atlantic has confirmed its return to Tel Aviv, with flights resuming on September 5, 2024, after a temporary suspension since October 11, 2023. Daily flights will operate from London Heathrow to Tel Aviv using the Airbus A330 aircraft, providing seamless connections to 14 US destinations through Heathrow, with 33 daily flights operated in conjunction with partner Delta Air Lines.
Adding significant value to this route, Virgin Atlantic is entering into a new codeshare partnership with EL AL, Israel’s flag carrier. This partnership will substantially increase travel options between the UK, US, and Israel. By placing their respective codes on flights operating between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, both airlines will offer customers greater flexibility and frequency, with up to four daily flights to choose from. This collaboration extends beyond flight options, encompassing reciprocal benefits for frequent flyers. Members of Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club and EL AL’s Matmid program will enjoy opportunities to earn and redeem points on both airlines. Furthermore, premium customers and elite tier members can anticipate enhanced recognition and benefits across both carriers. For Virgin Atlantic customers, this partnership unlocks access to EL AL’s services from Tel Aviv to Heathrow, facilitating onward connections to 11 US destinations across 23 daily flights.
SkyTeam Alliance Amplifies Virgin Atlantic’s Partnership Network
Virgin Atlantic’s membership in the SkyTeam alliance, which commenced in March 2023, has already proven to be a strategic advantage, and the alliance continues to strengthen its offerings. Virgin Atlantic welcomes SAS Scandinavian Airlines, a fellow APEX five-star rated airline, as the newest member of the SkyTeam Global Alliance. Virgin Atlantic and SAS are actively developing commercial partnerships aimed at optimizing access to and from key Scandinavian hubs. This collaboration promises to introduce new destinations, improve connectivity, and ensure a more streamlined and elevated travel experience for passengers. Once SAS formally joins SkyTeam on September 1, 2024*, Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club members will immediately gain the ability to earn and redeem points on SAS flights, and similarly, SAS EuroBonus members will benefit from earning and redeeming points on Virgin Atlantic.
In another strategic move within the SkyTeam alliance, Virgin Atlantic has launched a new codeshare partnership with Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia. This partnership significantly enhances connectivity between Saudi Arabia and Virgin Atlantic’s extensive network. Currently, the first phase of this agreement is active, enabling Virgin Atlantic customers originating from the US to seamlessly connect through London Heathrow and Manchester onto Saudia’s flights to Jeddah and Riyadh. The benefits extend to frequent flyers, with opportunities to earn and redeem Virgin Points and Tier Points having been in place since March 2023, and online redemption options launched recently. Saudia’s AlFursan members can also earn and redeem points on Virgin Atlantic flights, fostering greater loyalty and rewards for travelers.
Executive Perspective
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, highlighted the strategic importance of these partnerships: “As we celebrate our 40th anniversary this month, we know that giving our customers more choice and award-winning service in the skies is what fuels our success, alongside working with the best partners. We’re delighted to launch codeshares with our SkyTeam partners at SAS and Saudia today, enhancing our connectivity and offering greater customer benefits to our frequent flyers, who will be able to achieve rewards faster.”
Jarvinen also emphasized the significance of the Tel Aviv route and the EL AL partnership: “Our return to Tel Aviv on 5 September will be welcome news for customers who have enjoyed our service since 2019, and this time round it’ll be strengthened by our new codeshare partnership with EL AL.”
| Partner Airline | Launch Date/ On Sale Date | Routes |
|---|---|---|
| EL AL | Virgin Atlantic code on El Al – June 10. El Al code on Virgin Atlantic – September 5 (Tel Aviv operations resume) | London Heathrow – Tel Aviv and vice versa |
| SAS Scandinavian Airlines | September (SAS joins SkyTeam) | Coming soon |
| Saudia | Now live | LHR – JED/RUH from US POS, MAN – JED from US POS |
Conclusion
These new partnerships represent a significant expansion of the Virgin Atlantic partner network, offering customers enhanced travel options, seamless connectivity, and enriched frequent flyer benefits. By collaborating with EL AL, SAS, and Saudia, Virgin Atlantic is solidifying its position as a global airline committed to providing exceptional service and a comprehensive travel ecosystem for its customers. The return to Tel Aviv and the broadened network through SkyTeam affiliations underscore Virgin Atlantic’s ongoing dedication to meeting the evolving needs of modern travelers and rewarding their loyalty.
*Subject to government approval.
