In a landmark event the Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia inked an agreement that is going to provide not only the airlines but also their passengers heaps of benefits. The agreement is subject to approval and is going to take effect from 1st August 2011.

Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia today announced in a joint news release that they have signed an agreement for making a long term alliance with each other. The alliance seeks to join Singapore Airlines’ network of international destinations with Virgin Australia’s routes within Australia and in the Pacific.

The agreement allows the two aviation giants to codeshare by selling tickets and seats on each other’s international as well as domestic flights.

An application to get the approval from Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) will be lodged and the two airlines plan to begin the alliance from August 1 this year.

CEO of Singapore Airlines, Goh Choon Phong remarked “Singapore Airlines has been committed to the Australian market for more than 40 years and we are always looking for ways to serve our customers better. With regulatory approval, the partnership will enable us to offer even more choice for domestic and international air travel. Together with Virgin Australia we will provide the public with access to an enlarged network, offering a first-rate, integrated travel experience.”

Mr. Goh further added “The partnership presents a significant opportunity for Singapore Airlines to drive growth in a manner consistent with our focus on service excellence, product innovation and network connectivity. It will enhance the attractiveness of Australia as a travel destination while also opening up new horizons for travellers from Australia.”

Benefits to Passengers

Although, not considered to be the airlines selling cheap flight tickets, the frequent flyers on these carriers are sure to reap more benefits due to the agreement. The passengers of the two airlines, besides enjoying the each other’s lounge access, will benefit from reciprocal frequent flyer programme benefits.

The agreement has thrown open around 70 additional destinations for the Virgin Australia passengers using the Singapore Airlines network. The passengers of Singapore Airlines will have access to 30 more destinations using the Virgin Australia’s network.

The joint news release confirms that with effect from 1st August 2011 “Singapore Airlines customers will be able to interline on Virgin Australia’s domestic network, allowing them to travel through to a range of destinations with one ticket, through-checked baggage, terminal transfers and inclusive meals; and Virgin Australia Velocity Gold members and Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold members will have reciprocal access to each airline’s airport lounges”.

Asia – Critical Market for Virgin

From the agreement, Virgin expects to get the advantage of more international business passengers who travel on short notice and pay a premium on booking of last minute fares of otherwise cheap flight tickets.

John Borghetti, CEO Virgin Australia group of airlines said “Asia is clearly a critical market for us as we build our international alliance network. Singapore Airlines’ extensive network throughout Asia will be particularly attractive to our international business and leisure travellers and this partnership, along with our other alliances, will mean Virgin Australia can now offer truly global flight coverage.

Mr. Borghetti further observed “We are delighted to be partnering with one of the most respected and innovative airlines in the world. When it first launched in Australia, Singapore Airlines revolutionised international air travel for Australians, providing a world class service to Asia, Europe and beyond.

Is Virgin mulling to join Star Alliance?

Speculations are on that Virgin, which is not a member of any global airline alliance so far, may consider joining Star Alliance. Singapore Airlines, which is also a 49pc stake holder in Virgin, is the member of the Star Alliance.

Early this year, Sir Richard Branson had expressed intentions of joining an airline alliance when he had quoted “We’ve enjoyed being independent but we think that having some kind of alliance attached to Virgin Atlantic will make us that much stronger,”

Southall Travel
CustomerSupport

Call Southall Travel for the best deals

Phone 0208 843 4444

WHY OUR CUSTOMERS LOVE US?

Offering dependable travel solutions from the UK to the world over since 1984, we've gained the trust of a loyal customer base. Our customers know they can rely on us to offer the best prices and to provide impartial, expert advice on finding travel solutions to match their interests, time and budget.

  • Exclusive Deals for Hundreds of Destinations
    Exclusive Deals for Hundreds of Destinations
  • 24/7 Expert Assistance
    24/7 Expert
    Assistance
  • Price Match Guarantee*
    Price Match Guarantee*
  • No Fee
    No Fee on Credit & Debit Card
  • ATOL Protected
    ATOL
    Protected
  • Flexible Payment Options
    Flexible Payment Options & Low Deposits
Average Customer Rating star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating 4.7/5 feefologo
Independent Service Rating based on 6,734 verified reviews. Read all reviews
Golden Trust Awards
star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating

Staff was able to solve my travel task quickly with high level knowledge.

Trusted Customer - Dec 24, 2024
star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating

They got me flights that worked for me

Trusted Customer - Dec 24, 2024
star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating

Nice staff and trying to satisfy the customers to give multiple options so good work

Trusted Customer - Dec 24, 2024
star ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar ratingstar rating

Am a returning customer. I have always trusted Southhall travel. Great services...

Mr Francisco Macharia Mbugua - Dec 24, 2024

Booking is safe with us! Your holiday is ATOL protected.

  • Certification logo
  • IATA logo
  • Protection Logo

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice for latest destination travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) including Covid19 travel advice, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. If you have booked a flight only where the ticket is not issued immediately, your flight will be protected under our ATOL. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate

©2025 Southall Travel - All rights reserved

Cross Would you like a free callback in 5 Seconds.
Cross
Need help finding the best airfare or holiday deals?

London Heathrow to Dubai Intl

Economy

from £384*

0208 843 4444

24 hours a day / 7 days a week

"This would take a few moments. Please wait!"

newsletter Subscribe

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Be one of the first to hear about our exclusive offers on flights & holidays, travel inspiration and the latest travel news.

Welcome to Southall Travel

We use cookies to improve your experience on Southall Travel and show personalized content, depending on your settings. See our Privacy Policy for more information.

X Choose your cookie preferences
  • Essential

    Our website can't operate properly without essential cookies. We only collect the minimum personal information needed to provide services on awayholidays.co.uk. You can disable these cookies in your browser but parts of southalltravel.co.uk may not work.

  • Analytics

    We use analytical cookies to measure how you use our website and help improve southalltravel.co.uk.

  • Marketing

    We use marketing cookies to display personalised advertisements on other sites you may visit. We work with approved partners to deliver relevant content and measure the effectiveness of these advertisements.

  • Functional

    These cookies let us save the choices you make and some of the information you provide when browsing southalltravel.co.uk. They don't track your browsing activity on other websites. Without functional cookies, southalltravel.co.uk may not work reliably.