'Enhanced' customer benefits for Virgin, Delta and Air France-KLM tie-up

The partnership offers passengers expanded route choices and loyalty options when travelling between Europe, the UK and North America.

In December, Virgin Group founder Richard Branson scrapped plans to sell his stake in Virgin Atlantic as part of the joint venture agreement.

Branson said his initial need to reduce shareholding was to “guarantee the long-term success of Virgin Atlantic” after authorities green-lit British Airways’ tie-up with American Airlines although he confirmed a deal had been struck between Virgin’s joint venture partners to retain his stake.

Starting on 13 February, customers will be able to use each of Virgin, Delta, Air France and KLM’s loyalty programmes and utilise priority boarding and more than 100 airport lounges when travelling internationally.

More initiatives being rolled out later this year include the launch of more codeshare routes, aligning schedules to reduce connection times and smoothing airport experience from check-in to baggage claim.

Customers will also soon be able check-in and select their seat through any partner airlines’ mobile apps or websites.