It seems there is more than meets the eye, with Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia announcing a Strategic Alliance today.
They’re planning to:
- Codeshare on each other’s international and domestic flights;
- Offer reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access;
- Co-ordinate schedules between Singapore and Australia and beyond to provide seamless connections; and
- Engage in joint sales, marketing and distribution activities.
Members of Singapore Airlines’ KrisFlyer frequent flyer programme will be able to earn and redeem miles on Virgin Australia flights, while Virgin Australia’s Velocity members will be able to earn and redeem miles on Singapore Airlines-operated flights.
In practical terms for you and me, there are some things to note:
From 01/08/2011….
- Recepical lounge access for Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold.
- SQ Passengers will be able to interline directly with DJ’s network
From Late 2011
- Both Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia will lodge an application with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to push through the alliance.
Now we can see why Oneworld rushed to announce MH’s entry into the organisation. Rather than ordered, it seems to be more of a reaction to this.
Whilst Virgin Australia are unaligned, they have existing parterships with Delta, Etihad Airways and Air New Zealand. Singapore Airlines is a Star Alliance member (although sometimes they need to be reminded of this fact when trying to obtain premium redemption seats…).
And where does this leave SkyTeam? SkyTeam have increased their local membership with Gaurda Indonesia and China Airlines, but have no direct presence in Australia.
