Virgin Atlantic has announced the launch of a new codeshare agreement with Korean Air.
Codeshare with Korean Air
Virgin Atlantic passengers are now able to book flights to Seoul Incheon Airport on Korean Air from London Heathrow as part of the first phase of this new codeshare agreement. The airline says that the partnership has “enhanced” its network in Asia.
The news comes after Virgin Atlantic recently became a part of SkyTeam Alliance, of which Korean Air is also a part of. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members will be able to take advantage of SkyPriority services at Seoul Incheon, including priority check in, baggage handling and boarding.
We’re pleased to launch a codeshare with Korean Air, as we know such agreements bring an array of benefits to our customers. As one of Asia’s major carriers, Virgin Atlantic customers can benefit from its extensive route network, that will offer more choice throughout Asia and Australasia. Our enrolment into SkyTeam, of which Korean Air is a founding member, enhances customers benefits further. Our Flying Club members can enjoy SkyPriority benefits at both London Heathrow and Seoul Incheon as well as earning and redeeming miles across Korean Air’s network.
said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer, Virgin Atlantic.
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By May 2023, Virgin Atlantic passengers will be able to take onward connections from Seoul Incheon on Korean Air to the following destinations:
- Brisbane, Australia
- Sydney, Australia
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Da Nang, Vietnam
- Hanoi, Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
And by June 2023 to the following destinations:
- Hong Kong
- Fukuoka, Japan
- Osaka Kansai, Japan
- Tokyo Haneda, Japan
- Tokyo Narita, Japan
- Nagoya, Japan
- Okinawa, Japan
Seoul launch soon?
It has been rumoured that Virgin Atlantic will soon launch flights to Seoul, South Korea. It has been in the news that the competition commission of England has cleared the airline to launch flights to the South Korean capital but there’s no official announcement from the airline yet.
Could the launch of this new codeshare with Korean Air be a first step of its plan? Only time will tell. But for the time being, the new codeshare partnership with Korean Air will certainly give Virgin Atlantic greater access to Asia and Australasia, markets where the airline does not have a significant presence currently.
Featured image by Virgin Atlantic
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