If the deal is approved, it will replace China Eastern’s current joint venture arrangement with Air France-KLM, who work together on routes across major hubs in Paris, Amsterdam and China.
Virgin said the announcement “reaffirmed” its commitment to the Far East, and comes shortly after Virgin marked 20 years of flying to Shanghai, China’s most populous city.
In the spring, Virgin will seek a codeshare agreement with China Eastern on flights between London and Shanghai.
