‍DALLAS — Virgin Atlantic (VS) has announced three new codeshare partnerships launching this year, which increase connectivity and enhance customer benefits. The airline announced a partnership with El Al (LY) and plans to return to Tel Aviv (TLV) this September.

The airline will resume flights between London Heathrow (LHR) and TLV on 5 September 2024, for the first time since 11 October 2023. The daily flights will offer connections through LHR to 14 US destinations on 33 daily flights, including VS and partner airline Delta Airlines (DL) flights. 

Flights to and from TLV will be operated by an Airbus A330 aircraft. Since its inception in September 2019, VS customers have experienced hassle-free travel between the UK and Israel, and the new codeshare agreement aims to offer more connectivity, including destinations in the USA.

Frequent fliers can benefit from earning reciprocal miles and redemption opportunities, premium customer recognition, and tier benefits through the Flying Club of VS and the Matmid program of LY. Moreover, VS customers can also seamlessly travel to LHR and 11 US destinations on 23 daily flights on Israel’s flag airline. 

Strengthening SkyTeam Partnerships

The LHR-based carrier is also set to join hands with the newest SkyTeam member, SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK). As a member of the alliance since March 2023, VS is working towards new commercial partnerships and entering the Scandinavian key hubs.

The collaboration aims to offer new destinations, enhanced connectivity, and a seamless travel experience for passengers. Once SK formally joins the alliance in September 2024, Flying Club members can earn and redeem points on the airline. SAS EuroBonus members will also enjoy the same benefits on VS flights.

Saudia Partnership

A new codeshare with the SkyTeam member and the flagship carrier of Saudi Arabia, Saudia (SV), will provide increased connectivity to the destinations of both airlines. In the first phase, VS customers can fly directly from the US to Jeddah (JED) and Riyadh (RUH) via LHR and Manchester (MAN).

Possibilities to earn Virgin Points and Tier Points have been available since March 2023, with point redemptions launched last month. SV’s AlFursan members can earn and redeem their points on VS flights as well.

“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.”, said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic.