Virgin Atlantic Plans Joint Venture with China Eastern, Air France, KLM

Cabin, Virgin Atlantic Dreamliner

Virgin Atlantic Airways said Tuesday it plans to enter into a joint venture agreement with China Eastern, Air France, and KLM, pending government approval.

The joint venture, which would focus on flights between Europe and China, would replace China Eastern’s current joint venture with Air France and KLM.

China Eastern said it plans to codeshare with Virgin Atlantic on flights between London and Shanghai as part of the joint venture, which would also support joint sales and marketing efforts.

With the addition of Virgin Atlantic, “the cooperation will develop to a higher level enabling us to deliver more quality products and services for customers between China and Europe,” said Tian Liuwen, an executive vice president at China Eastern.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)