Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic have signed a code sharing agreement offering more flexibility and choice on routings between the UK and New Zealand for both carriers’ passengers.
This code share agreement follows a long history of interline cooperation, including a reciprocal Frequent Flyer Partnership between the two airlines, with passengers already travelling on routes between the UK and New Zealand on each others' services.
Both airlines offer highly complementary products and services and a seamless transfer experience for customers making connections across their networks. Air New Zealand's Business Premier seat has a version of Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class Suite so passengers can enjoy the same award winning comfort when flying on both carriers.
"This new code share agreement provides yet further connectivity options for our customers as well as providing important connectivity for Virgin Atlantic customers to New Zealand and also the Cook Islands," says Rob Fyfe, Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand.
"We are thrilled to announce this new code share with Air New Zealand," says Steve Ridgway, Chief Executive of Virgin Atlantic.
"With award winning Business Class and Premium Economy products along with the excellent service onboard, both airlines complement each other perfectly and we are sure that passengers will enjoy the advantages of this new partnership."
Passengers will be able to book with Virgin Atlantic to travel on connecting journeys on the following Air New Zealand routes using Virgin's VS flight code:
-
Los Angeles - Rarotonga
San Francisco - Auckland
Sydney - Auckland
Sydney - Christchurch
Sydney - Wellington
Auckland - Christchurch
Auckland - Wellington
Auckland -Queenstown
Auckland - Rarotonga
Air New Zealand's passengers will be able to book on Virgin Atlantic's services between London Heathrow and San Francisco and between Hong Kong and Sydney for connecting journeys using Air New Zealand's NZ flight code.
The two carriers expect the code share to come into force on 28 February 2011 after obtaining the relevant government approvals.
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Issued by Air New Zealand Public Affairs ph +64 (0)21 747 320
Or for the Virgin Atlantic Press Office, phone +44 (0)1293 747373 or log onto the Virgin Atlantic website www.virginatlantic.com
NOTE: The content of all Air New Zealand media releases are accurate at the time of issue, as stated at the top of each release. For updates on any changes, please contact Air New Zealand.
Air New Zealand is proud to be a member of Star Alliance. The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award, Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax. The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Blue1, bmi, Brussels Airlines, Continental Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Spanair, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. Air India and Ethiopian Airlines have been announced as future members. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers 21,000 daily flights to 1,160 airports in 181 countries.
For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com.
