There’s a celebratory mood in the air as SkyTeam prepares to welcome its newest member

Virgin Atlantic will become SkyTeam’s first and only UK member airline

SkyTeam’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport will be enhanced thanks to the alliance’s newest member, Virgin Atlantic.

Walter Cho, SkyTeam Chairman, said: “Virgin Atlantic is synonymous with innovation and excellent service. They are 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.”

Virgin Atlantic’s entry into the alliance builds upon the success of its transatlantic joint venture partnership with Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM. The four airlines are co-located at London Heathrow’s Terminal Three, alongside existing SkyTeam members Aeromexico and China Eastern.

The airline flies to 12 destinations throughout the USA in partnership with Delta and Air France-KLM. Next month, it will start daily flights to Tampa, Florida. Virgin Atlantic also operates an extensive Caribbean portfolio, as well as services to Greater China, India, Israel, Nigeria, Pakistan, and South Africa.

Shai Weiss, CEO Virgin Atlantic, said joining SkyTeam was an ‘important milestone.’ He 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.”

Codeshare agreements are already in place with Aeromexico and Middle East Airlines, with options for more codeshares to follow. Interline agreements with all SkyTeam members are already in place.