Africa: Virgin Atlantic has announced a new codeshare agreement with fellow SkyTeam member Kenya Airways

The first phase of the arrangement, which launches on Tuesday (19 March), allows Virgin customers to directly book flights on Kenya Airways’ route between London Heathrow and Nairobi.

The codeshare will later be extended to allow Kenya Airways passengers to connect via Heathrow on to Virgin’s services to Caribbean destinations.

Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic, said: "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".

Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Flying Club members, as well as Kenya Airways’ Asante Rewards Platinum and Gold members can use SkyPriority services at both Heathrow and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International airport, including priority check in, baggage handling and boarding.

Julius Thairu, Chief Commercial and Customer Officer at Kenya Airways, called the codeshare with Virgin Atlantic a “transformative partnership”.

“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,” added Thairu.

Kenyan authorities have made it easier for visitors from the UK and other European countries to enter the country by only requiring travellers to obtain an online travel authorisation rather than applying for a full visa. Although visitors from most countries now have to pay a $30 entry fee.

Culled from: Business Travel News Europe (BTN Europe)