Virgin Atlantic seeks DOT approval for transatlantic codeshare with SAS

As part of SkyTeam since September 1, SAS highlighted that all its EuroBonus members can now earn and redeem points while traveling on Virgin Atlantic flights. The agreement also extends SAS’s reach by placing its code on Virgin Atlantic flights to Antigua, Jamaica, and Barbados.

Virgin Atlantic plans initially cover flights between the US and London-Heathrow under this codeshare agreement. It currently operates services from Heathrow to 11 US destinations and three from Manchester. The airline argues that this partnership is in the public interest as it would benefit passengers by increasing demand, competition, and customer convenience with single-airline bookings.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer of Virgin Atlantic, expressed enthusiasm about partnering with a fellow SkyTeam carrier: “We look forward to building a long-lasting and successful partnership with our SkyTeam partner." Paul Verhagen of SAS echoed similar sentiments regarding new network additions like Barbados, Jamaica, and Antigua.

In related developments aligning closer with SkyTeam's network expansion strategy after joining in September post-bankruptcy restructuring—where Air France-KLM acquired stakes—Delta Air Lines' previous codeshare approval set precedence despite JetBlue's objections over unresolved agreements affecting European market access.