Virgin Atlantic will join airline alliance SkyTeam in early 2023. The carrier will be the alliance’s first UK-based member.
Virgin Atlantic is 49% owned by Delta Air Lines, another member of the alliance. It is also in a transatlantic joint venture partnership with both Delta and fellow SkyTeam carrier Air France-KLM.
“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,” Shai Weiss, CEO of Virgin Atlantic, said in a press release on September 27, 2022.
Having Virgin Atlantic in SkyTeam will increase the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
“As a member of SkyTeam, Virgin Atlantic will benefit from increased opportunities to expand its global network through partnerships and synergies, while giving customers more opportunities to earn miles and enjoy the service Virgin Atlantic is known for,” commented Kristin Colvile, SkyTeam CEO.
SkyTeam currently comprises Aerolíneas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Air France, China Airlines, China Eastern, Czech Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Garuda Indonesia, ITA Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, TAROM, Vietnam Airlines and XiamenAir. Aeroflot’s membership has been suspended since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.