Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways have launched a new codeshare partnership agreement, providing greater access to Nairobi and beyond into East Africa.
The first phase of the agreement, which launches today, will allow customers booking through Virgin Atlantic to directly purchase flights on Kenya Airways’ Heathrow to Nairobi service.
In tum, Kenya Airways customers will soon have the opportunity to connect via London Heathrow to several of Virgin Atlantic’s luxurious Caribbean destinations, including Barbados, The Bahamas, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Kenya Airways is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, like Virgin Atlantic. As such, Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Flying Club members, alongside Kenya Airways Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members, can take advantage of SkyPriority services at London Heathrow and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, including priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding.
Opportunities to earn Virgin Points and Tier Points, alongside Virgin Points redemptions, have been in place since March 2023 when Virgin Atlantic formally joined the alliance.
Additionally, Flying Club members can earn Virgin Points by booking safari holidays through Virgin Atlantic Holidays and Virgin Limited Edition.
In Quotes
Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, commented,
“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.”
Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer of Kenya Airways, commented;
“We are excited to embark on this transformative partnership with Virgin Atlantic. By leveraging our complementary strengths and networks, we aim to enrich the travel experience for our valued customers, offering them greater choice, convenience and connectivity to key destinations in the world.”
And a little easier to access Kenya too
For those travelling to Keyna who have a UK Passport, access is a little easier. From January this year, visitors from outside of Africa, including the United Kingdom, will only require an online authorisation to travel to Kenya, instead of a full visa.
You’ll need to apply in advance at https://www.etakenya.go.ke/en.
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