Virgin announces new codeshare to expand presence in China

Virgin announces new codeshare to expand presence in China

Just days after Virgin’s former codeshare buddy, Air New Zealand, announced it was now codesharing with Qantas, the airline has announced it too has moved on.

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Yes, folks, the drama is palatable.

Virgin Australia has entered a new codeshare agreement with Hainan Airlines, creating a streamlined travel experience for guests flying between Australia and mainland China.

HU and VA Codeshare - Photo 1

Under this new agreement, the codeshare will enable:

  • Guests travelling from China to access an expanded network of Virgin Australia domestic connections within Australia and across the trans-Tasman, including Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide, Perth and Auckland;
  • Guests travelling to China to access a schedule of weekly Hainan operated services from Sydney operating to Xi’an, Changsha and Haikou; services from Melbourne operating to Xi’an and Changsha; and services from Brisbane and Cairns operating to Shenzhen;
  • Velocity Frequent Flyer members to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits and Fortune Wings Club members to earn Points and Status Qualifying Points when flying with either airline under the codeshare; and
  • Guests to book all flights, including connecting flights, under the one booking, with a single baggage drop where permitted.

Plus, the codeshare will also give bonus customer benefits to both airlines frequent flyer programs.

“Virgin Australia is excited to partner with Hainan Airlines to extend our services into mainland China, and to build upon the success of our Hong Kong services. As the fourth largest and biggest independent airline in the country, we are confident that Hainan Airlines is the best partner for us to expand into Greater China with,” Virgin Australia Airlines Group Executive, Rob Sharp, said in a release.

Chief Executive Officer for Hainan Airlines, Jeff Sun, also heralded the growth opportunities that the codeshare provides for both airlines.

HU and VA Codeshare - Photo 4

“Hainan Airlines is delighted to be working with Virgin Australia under the codeshare. These services will not only help to boost tourism in each country, but they will also provide guests with an exceptional travel experience for a great value,” he said.

Flights under the codeshare partnership will go on sale on 21 June 2018 for travel from 2 July onwards.

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