Air France-KLM & Virgin Atlantic Start Reciprocal Codeshares

Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic have started to offer codeshares on their respective transatlantic networks.

London Air Travel » Virgin Atlantic » Air France-KLM & Virgin Atlantic Start Reciprocal Codeshares

KLM, Air France, Delta, Virgin Atlantic Tailfins (Image Credit: Delta Air Lines)
KLM, Air France, Delta, Virgin Atlantic Tailfins (Image Credit: Delta Air Lines)

Air France-KLM and Virgin Atlantic have started to roll out reciprocal codeshares on each other’s transatlantic networks.

The two airline groups are currently awaiting regulatory approval to combine their respective transatlantic joint-ventures with Delta into one.

Ahead of regulatory approval, Virgin Atlantic is now offering transatlantic flights on its website from UK airports via Air France-KLM hubs in Amsterdam and Paris Charles de Gaulle.

This is potentially useful when wanting to fly to Canada, which Virgin Atlantic does not serve, and wanting to avoid transiting in a US airport. It also provides for substantially more options for Virgin Atlantic passengers flying from UK regional airports, where Air France and KLM coverage is extensive.

Air France-KLM Virgin Atlantic Codeshare Flights
Air France-KLM Virgin Atlantic Codeshare Flights
Air France-KLM Virgin Atlantic Codeshare Flights
Air France-KLM Virgin Atlantic Codeshare Flights

As these have only just launched it may take a few days before codeshares are fully rolled out and all route and fare class options are available. At the time of writing the Air France website is offering Virgin Atlantic flights from London, but KLM is not.

Members of the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club can also earn miles and tier points when flying on Air France and KLM flights that are sold under Virgin Atlantic flight numbers, as per guidance from Virgin Atlantic.

This is some way short of launching a full joint-venture where the two groups can co-ordinate schedules and set fares jointly.

Over time, Virgin Atlantic is likely to offer a much more substantial codeshare with Air France-KLM across its global network, which as per the route maps below, is very substantial and much more so than BA in many regions.

Air France Long-Haul Network
Air France Long-Haul Network (Image Credit: Air France-KLM)
KLM Long-Haul Network
KLM Long-Haul Network (Image Credit: Air France-KLM)

Update: Air France-KLM has issued a press release confirming the scope of the codeshare partnership.

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