With more connections to Nairobi and beyond into East Africa, Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways announce a new codeshare collaboration arrangement.
Customers who book through Virgin Atlantic are able to immediately purchase flights on Kenya Airways’ Heathrow to Nairobi service, as part of the agreement’s initial phase.
Customers of Kenya Airways will soon be able to connect via London Heathrow to a variety of luxury Caribbean destinations operated by Virgin Atlantic, such as Barbados, The Bahamas, Grenada, and St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, Kenya Airways is one of the top airlines in Africa. At London Heathrow and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, members of Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Flying Club as well as Kenya Airways Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members, can enjoy SkyPriority services, which include priority check-in, luggage processing, and boarding.
As a result of both airlines’ participation in SkyTeam, Flying Club members can now accrue their points more quickly. Since March 2023, there have been chances to redeem Virgin Points and gain Tier Points in addition to Virgin Points.
Flying Club members can also benefit from earning Virgin Points when they book premium safari vacations with Virgin Limited Edition and Virgin Atlantic Holidays.
“We’re delighted to launch our partnership with Kenya Airways. As a fellow member of the SkyTeam alliance, we know our customers will enjoy a seamless travel experience, with more opportunities to earn and spend their miles with increased benefits for our SkyPriority members.
“We’re committed to enhancing connectivity and as the only UK airline to codeshare on the Heathrow to Nairobi route, we’ll be providing more choice and flexibility for customers booking with Virgin Atlantic.”
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic.
“We are excited to embark on this transformative partnership with Virgin Atlantic. By leveraging our complementary strengths and networks, we aim to enrich the travel experience for our valued customers, offering them greater choice, convenience and connectivity to key destinations in the world.”
Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer of Kenya Airways.
Kenya is now easier to reach from the UK than it has ever been. Beginning in January of this year, travellers from outside of Africa—including those from the United Kingdom—will just need to obtain an online authorization rather than a full visa in order to enter Kenya.
Kenya Airways and Virgin Atlantic share a common outlook on sustainability as fellow SkyTeam members. Virgin Atlantic began converting to all-new aircraft by 2027 when it added the first of 16 A330-900neos to its fleet in October 2022. The first 100% SAF trip across the Atlantic was accomplished in November 2023 under the direction of Virgin Atlantic and an industrial collaboration, proving that 100% SAF can be utilised safely as a fuel drop in current engines, airframes, and infrastructure. Kenya Airways made history in May 2023 by being the first airline in Africa to operate what may be the most environmentally friendly commercial long-haul route, connecting Nairobi and Amsterdam.
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