Whilst Singapore Airlines (SIA) is now publically saying that its 49% stake in Virgin Atlantic is up for sale it is also establishing what it calls “a landmark agreement” with the recently rebranded Virgin Australia Group.
Sir Richard Branson was prominent when Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue and V Australia combined to create Virgin Australia in May of this year. Virgin Atlantic is thought to own 25% of what is Virgin Blue Holdings Ltd, which has a 14.99% ownership by Air New Zealand (ANZ), itself once owned by Singapore Airlines. Both ANZ and SIA are members of Star Alliance.
Under the agreement, the two airlines propose to codeshare on each other’s international and domestic flights; offer reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits and lounge access; co-ordinate schedules between Singapore and Australia and beyond to provide seamless connections; and engage in joint sales, marketing and distribution activities.
In another strategic move SIA has confirmed that it is well on the way to creating a long haul low cost airline. www.singaporeair.com www.virginaustralia.com
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