Virgin Atlantic Announces New Partnerships and Return to Tel Aviv Route

Virgin Atlantic has unveiled three new codeshare partnerships set to launch this year, aimed at enhancing connectivity and customer benefits. The airline also announced its return to Tel Aviv starting 5 September 2024, marking the first flight since 11 October 2023. These strategic moves promise to expand travel options and improve frequent flyer rewards for passengers.

The new codeshare with EL AL will enable more convenient travel between the UK, Israel, and the US. Customers will benefit from increased flexibility with up to four daily flights between London Heathrow and Tel Aviv, alongside improved connectivity to 14 US destinations via Heathrow. Frequent flyers will enjoy reciprocal earning and redemption opportunities, as well as premium customer recognition benefits through Virgin Atlantic's Flying Club and EL AL's Matmid program.

Additionally, Virgin Atlantic has entered into new codeshare agreements with SkyTeam members SAS Scandinavian Airlines and Saudia. This collaboration will enhance travel options and benefits for frequent flyers across multiple regions. The partnership with SAS, which formally joins SkyTeam on 1 September 2024, will offer new commercial routes and seamless connectivity to and from key Scandinavian hubs. Meanwhile, the codeshare with Saudia, already in effect, provides connections from the US through London Heathrow and Manchester to destinations like Jeddah and Riyadh.

These partnerships not only boost Virgin Atlantic's network but also strengthen its position within the SkyTeam alliance, which it joined in March 2023. Chief Commercial Officer Juha Jarvinen emphasized the importance of these collaborations in celebrating the airline's 40th anniversary, highlighting the enhanced customer choice and service excellence that these new routes and partnerships will bring.