SAS and Virgin Atlantic Forge Codeshare Partnership to Expand Global Travel Options
(IN SHORT) Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Virgin Atlantic have announced a new codeshare partnership set to launch on October 7, 2024. This collaboration will enhance travel options between Scandinavia and various international destinations, including new routes to Barbados, Antigua, and Jamaica. SAS customers will have access to Virgin Atlantic’s network via Heathrow, while Virgin Atlantic travelers can book seamless connections to Scandinavian cities such as Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stavanger, and Bergen. The partnership follows SAS’s recent integration into SkyTeam, allowing both airlines’ loyalty members to earn and redeem points across each other’s networks. Key benefits include SkyPriority services for elite members at various airports. SAS’s Chief Commercial Officer, Paul Verhagen, and Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer, Juha Jarvinen, expressed their excitement about the partnership and its potential to enhance customer travel experiences.
(PRESS RELEASE) Stockholm, Sweden, 2024-Oct-4 — /Travel PR News/ — SAS and Virgin Atlantic are excited to announce a strategic codeshare agreement that enhances essential travel connections between Scandinavia and various international destinations. This partnership, which will officially begin on October 7, enables SAS travelers to access Virgin Atlantic’s expanded network through Heathrow, with more destinations to be added as regulatory approvals are secured.
Travelers flying from the US and Canada with Virgin Atlantic will now have the opportunity to book seamless onward journeys to key Scandinavian cities, including Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stavanger, and Bergen via London Heathrow and Manchester.
Following SAS’s integration into SkyTeam on September 1, which includes Virgin Atlantic as its only UK airline member, SAS EuroBonus members will enjoy immediate earning and redemption benefits when flying with Virgin Atlantic. Conversely, Virgin Atlantic’s Flying Club members will also have the advantage of accruing and redeeming points on SAS routes.
Elite members of SAS EuroBonus—Gold and Diamond—along with Virgin Atlantic’s Gold Flying Club members, will benefit from SkyPriority services at London Heathrow, which include priority check-in, expedited baggage handling, and boarding. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Flying Club members will have access to SAS lounges at Stockholm Arlanda, Copenhagen, and Oslo airports.
Paul Verhagen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are thrilled to launch this new codeshare with Virgin Atlantic, which significantly broadens SAS’s global reach. Our customers will gain access to exciting destinations like Barbados, Jamaica, and Antigua, among others. This collaboration enhances the value of our EuroBonus loyalty program, providing members with greater opportunities to earn and redeem points across Virgin Atlantic’s expansive network. We anticipate a long and fruitful partnership that will benefit travelers on both sides.”
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, also shared his excitement, noting, “We are delighted to embark on this codeshare partnership with SAS, as it enhances connectivity and provides added benefits for our frequent flyers, allowing them to accumulate rewards more rapidly. As a fellow APEX five-star airline, we look forward to deepening our partnership with SAS and expanding our global network together.”
Media Contact:
Tel: +46 8 797 29 44
email: press@sas.se
Source: SAS
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