Virgin and ANA plan codeshare deal
Virgin Atlantic and All Nippon Airways are working towards a codeshare pact after forging a new alliance agreement which will see both carriers work more closely together.
The two airlines, which both fly daily between Heathrow and Toyko, are to finalise an interline e-ticket agreement, allowing passengers to combine Virgin Atlantic flights and ANA flights in the same e-ticket.
They will extend combination fares – which allow passengers to combine ANA and Virgin Atlantic flights between London and Asia in the same round-trip – from economy class to include premium economy and business class travel from April 1.
A range of special joint round the world fares utilising the networks of both carriers, announced last September, will be extended to cover premium economy in addition to business and economy.
Virgin Atlantic group commercial director WillyBoulter said: “We are delighted to be signing an alliance agreement with ANA which will enable both carriers to start working closer together in many areas of the business, including airport and inflight services, and hope that this will pave the way to a possible codeshare agreement in the future.”
ANA’s executive vice president for international relations Katsuhiko Kitabayashi, added: “Once again, ANA and Virgin Atlantic are demonstrating the positive benefits to customers that an alliance agreement of this kind can bring.
“We are competitors but work together where possible to strengthen what both carriers have to offer. We look forward to exploring other ways to work together and providing our customers with greater choice and convenience.”
The airlines first began working together in 2003 when they tied-up frequent flyer programmes.
by Phil Davies
Phil Davies
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