Delta Acquires 49% Stake in Virgin Atlantic, Partnership to Start July 3

Virgin Atlantic and Delta aircraft at London-Heathrow

Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic Airways announced a new codeshare and frequent flyer partnership following Delta’s acquisition of Singapore Airline’s 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic on Monday.

The two airlines received clearance from the European Commission and U.S. Department of Justice last week.

The codeshare will cover 108 routes and 66 destinations in North America and the United Kingdom.  Delta will place its code on 17 Virgin Atlantic routes, including the airline’s new domestic Little Red flights that connect London to Manchester, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen.  Virgin will place its code on 91 Delta routes, which are comprised of both trans-Atlantic and domestic routes.

The partnership and codeshares go into effect on July 3.  The two airlines will offer three times as many flight options between New York and London-Heathrow including seven daily flights from JFK and two from Newark.

BusinessElite and Upper Class passengers as well as Platinum and Diamond Medallion members of Delta’s SkyMiles frequent flyer program will have access to Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse lounges and all SkyMiles members will be able to earn and use miles with Virgin Atlantic, while members of Virgin Atlantic’s Flyer Club will be able to earn and redeem miles with Delta.  Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Medallion members will also benefit from priority check-in and boarding and baggage fee waivers when flying on Virgin Atlantic.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)