SkyTeam partners Virgin Atlantic and China Airlines today launched a new codeshare agreement to strengthen business and leisure ties in China.
Virgin Atlantic customers can now connect from the airline's Heathrow to Shanghai service (which relaunched in May after restrictions were lifted) to other destinations in China with a single ticket, including Chengdu, Changsha, Qingdao, Shenzhen and Xi'an. (Read our article on Shanghai here)
Subject to government approval, China Eastern customers will soon also be able to connect via Heathrow to Caribbean and African destinations including Jamaica, Nassau, Lagos, Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented: “Our new codeshare with China Eastern, another SkyTeam partner, will address continued travel demand to the region and strengthen our commitment to China and East Asia.
“We know these agreements bring many benefits to our customers, from increased network reach in China and beyond, to reciprocal loyalty rewards for our Flying Club members.”
Since November, the two airlines have been co-located at Shanghai Pudong Terminal One, where Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold and Silver members and China Eastern Miles members can take advantage of SkyPriority services, including priority check-in, boarding and additional baggage. .
The expanded codeshare also allows Flying Club members to achieve their rewards faster, with opportunities to earn Virgin Points and Tier Points on every codeshare flight with China Eastern. The option to spend Virgin Points is expected to be available shortly.
virginatlantic.com
en.ukceair.com
