Virgin Atlantic seeks DOT approval for transatlantic codeshare with SAS

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Virgin Atlantic seeks DOT approval for transatlantic codeshare with SAS

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Dec 3, 2024

Virgin Atlantic has filed a request with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to approve a codeshare agreement with Scandinavian Airlines System (SAS). This move follows SAS's recent decision to join the SkyTeam alliance. The application seeks permission for Virgin Atlantic to display SAS’s SK designator code on flights between the United Kingdom and the United States.

The DOT filing, published on December 2, outlines Virgin Atlantic's desire for an expedited process to enable the swift commencement of these services. The two airlines announced their codeshare agreement on October 4, launching services three days later. This partnership allows SAS customers to connect via London Heathrow Airport to additional Virgin Atlantic destinations, expanding as approvals are finalized.

Additionally, Virgin Atlantic passengers will be able to connect from Canada or the US through London-Heathrow or Manchester Airport to SAS hubs and destinations like Copenhagen Airport, Bergen Airport, Oslo Gardermoen Airport, Stavanger Airport, and Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

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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.