"Our new partnership with Virgin Atlantic will
strengthen both airlines and provide a more effective
competitor between North America and the U.K.,
particularly on the New York-London route, which is the
largest airline route between the U.S. and Europe," said
Delta CEO Richard Anderson. "By combining the strengths
of our two companies in a joint venture, we can provide
customers with a seamless network between North America
and the U.K., and continue building a better airline for
our customers, employees and shareholders."
Steve Ridgway, Virgin Atlantic Chief Executive, added:
"Consumers will reap the rewards of this partnership
between two great airline brands on services from the UK
to the USA, Canada and Mexico through a shared ethos in
the highest standards of customer service. This joint
venture will deliver much more effective competition at
Heathrow.
"Both airlines are confident that the Department of
Transportation will be as convinced as we are of the
extensive consumer benefits arising from this joint
venture, with expedited approval being granted by the
end of 2013. The trans-Atlantic market is Virgin
Atlantic's heartland - it's where we started. By
aligning with Delta we can continue to grow our North
American network and offer greatly enhanced connectivity
across the USA."
Virgin Atlantic President, Sir Richard Branson,
commented: "This is an exciting day in Virgin Atlantic
history. It signals the start of a new era of expansion,
financial growth and many opportunities for our
customers and our business. I truly look forward to the
possibilities our partnership with Delta will offer. We
have always been known for our innovation and service
and have punched above our weight for 28 years. That is
why our customers love us so much. We will retain that
independent spirit but move forward in a strengthened
partnership with Delta."
Delta and Virgin Atlantic customers will be able to earn
and redeem miles across Delta's SkyMiles and Virgin
Atlantic's FlyingClub frequent flyer programs. Premium
customers also will have reciprocal access to the Delta
Sky Club and Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse airport lounges.
Full details will be announced as services become
available.
The partnership allows both carriers to offer a greatly
expanded network at Heathrow and to overcome slot
constraints, which have limited the growth and
competitive capability of both airlines. The two
carriers will operate a total of 31 peak-day round-trip
flights between the U.K. and North America, 23 of which
operate at London-Heathrow. The enlarged network will
benefit customers of both carriers by providing greater
access to a broader network, improved connectivity and
convenient booking options.
As
part of a $3 billion investment in enhanced global
products, services and airport facilities, all of
Delta's flights between the U.S. and London-Heathrow
feature full flat-bed seats offering direct aisle access
in the BusinessElite cabin. These flights also offer
Delta's popular Economy Comfort seating in the forward
section of the economy cabin. Economy Comfort offers
four additional inches of legroom and 50 percent more
recline compared to standard economy seats. All cabins
offer in-seat audio and video on demand with a broad
range of in-flight entertainment options. Delta also
will begin introducing in-flight WiFi service on
international flights beginning in 2013.
Virgin Atlantic has recently completed a £150m
upgrade program. A new Upper Class cabin has been
introduced across its Airbus A330 aircraft, which
features the longest fully flat bed in the sky. This
is complemented by a redesigned onboard bar and new
Clubhouses at both JFK and Newark airports. The
airline's Boeing 747 leisure fleet has been
completely refitted and features onboard
connectivity and VERA Touch Virgin Atlantic's
award-winning touch screen in-flight entertainment
system offering passengers hours of entertainment at
their fingertips.
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