Cyprus Airways and Virgin Atlantic sign code sharing agreement

Virgin Atlantic and Cyprus Airways have signed a code sharing agreement on routes between the UK, the US and Cyprus for both carriers’ passengers.

According to joint press release, issued here today, under the agreement travelers “will be able to purchase single itineraries to connect with ease between Cypriot gateway Larnaca and a variety of Virgin Atlantic’s US destinations on routes which currently see high levels of demand”.

Passengers of both airlines will be afforded the convenience of one-stop ticketing and baggage check-in whether their travel originates in the US or Cyprus.

“We are confident that the Cyprus traveling public will actively welcome this partnership, as it will be opening up the North Atlantic market on Cyprus’ flag carrier code in cooperation with Virgin Atlantic, jointly providing the care and comfort that both carriers offer on their flights”, said Executive Chairman for Cyprus Airways George Mavrocostas.

On his part Director of Commercial and Revenue Planning for Virgin Atlantic Edmond Rose said “the codeshare will make buying tickets and traveling between the US and Cyprus simpler for Virgin Atlantic’s and Cyprus Airways’ passengers”.

The initial agreement will see Cyprus Airways put their code on Virgin Atlantic flights operating between London Heathrow and Boston, Los Angeles, New York JFK and Newark, while Virgin Atlantic will code share on Cyprus Airways services between Larnaca and London Heathrow.

The two carriers expect the code share to come into force on 25 July 2011 after obtaining the relevant government approvals.