WestJet and Virgin Atlantic Expand Codeshare Partnership to Enhance International Connectivity
WestJet and Virgin Atlantic have announced a major expansion of their codeshare relationship, offering Canadians enhanced international travel options, including multiple destinations in India. Starting this winter, WestJet passengers will gain access to Virgin Atlantic’s extensive network via London Heathrow Airport.
This expansion will allow WestJet to offer itineraries featuring Virgin Atlantic flights from London Heathrow to a variety of global destinations during the winter of 2024-2025. Additionally, WestJet will begin providing domestic connectivity to Virgin Atlantic’s newly announced route between Toronto-Pearson and London Heathrow, set to commence in summer 2025.
Announced in Las Vegas with Sir Richard Branson in attendance, the agreement was formalized last week at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Dubai. WestJet’s Chief Commercial Officer, John Weatherill, and Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Commercial Officer, Juha Jarvinen, were present to expand the existing codeshare partnership, which has been in place since 2019.
Weatherill highlighted the benefits of the expanded partnership, stating, "We are unlocking amazing opportunities for our guests to access new destinations and experience Virgin Atlantic’s innovative products beyond London." With daily flights from Calgary to London, Canadians will enjoy improved international access from Western Canada to the United Kingdom and beyond.
Starting this winter, the enhanced partnership will offer single-stop access from Calgary to new destinations, including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru in India, as well as Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, Lagos in Nigeria, Dubai, and the Maldives.
In 2025, the partnership will further develop with a reciprocal frequent flyer program between WestJet Rewards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, allowing customers to earn and redeem points across both airlines' networks. This agreement marks WestJet’s first codeshare partnership extending beyond Europe through London Heathrow, significantly expanding their global network.