Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways have entered into a codeshare partnership, aimed at enhancing connectivity to Nairobi and further destinations within East Africa.
Announced on Tuesday, the initial phase of this collaboration enables Virgin Atlantic customers to book flights directly on Kenya Airways’ route from Heathrow to Nairobi. Conversely, Kenya Airways passengers will soon gain access to Virgin Atlantic’s routes to various Caribbean locations, including Barbados, The Bahamas, Grenada, and St Vincent and the Grenadines, via London Heathrow.
Recognized as a leading carrier in Africa and a SkyTeam alliance member, Kenya Airways offers its Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members, alongside Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Flying Club members, access to SkyPriority services at both London Heathrow and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. These services encompass priority check-in, baggage handling, and boarding.
Enhanced Passenger Services through SkyPriority for Frequent Flyers
The partnership, strengthened by both airlines’ membership in the SkyTeam alliance, has enhanced the benefits for Flying Club members. Since March 2023, they have had opportunities to earn Virgin Points and Tier Points, along with the option to redeem Virgin Points.
Moreover, Flying Club members are eligible to earn Virgin Points through bookings of luxury safari holidays via Virgin Atlantic Holidays and Virgin Limited Edition.
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic
“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.”
Virgin Atlantic's Fleet Transformation Towards Sustainability
The collaboration also underscores a shared commitment to sustainability between Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways, both SkyTeam members. Virgin Atlantic, in its ongoing fleet transformation, welcomed its first A330-900neo in October 2022, aiming for a fleet comprised entirely of next-generation aircraft by 2027.
November 2023 saw Virgin Atlantic spearheading an industry group to successfully conduct the first 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) transatlantic flight, showcasing the feasibility of using SAF as a substitute in current engines, airframes, and infrastructure.
Similarly, in May 2023, Kenya Airways marked a milestone by operating what is described as the most sustainable commercial long-haul flight from Nairobi to Amsterdam, setting a precedent as the first African airline to do so.