Skyteam carriers Virgin Atlantic and Kenya Airways have launched a codeshare agreement.
The first phase of the agreement allows customers booking through Virgin Atlantic to directly purchase flights on Kenya Airways’ Heathrow to Nairobi service.
Kenya Airways customers will soon have the opportunity to connect via London Heathrow onto a number of Caribbean destinations served by Virgin Atlantic, including Barbados, The Bahamas, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.
Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Flying Club members, and Kenya Airways Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members can use the SkyPriority services at London Heathrow and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, including priority check in, baggage handling and boarding.
Additionally, UK travellers no longer need a full visa to enter Kenya, with just an electronic travel authorisation required since January 2024.
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, added:
“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.”
