It’s been a big few weeks for Virgin Australia. Days after unveiling its new business and economy cabins (plus its $110m interior upgrades), the airline has announced a “significantly expanded” partnership with All Nippon Airways (ANA).
The new Virgin-ANA pact ups codeshare cooperation between the carriers as well as loyalty benefits.
From today, customers can book airfares on ANA-operated flights between Australia and Japan on VA’s website for the first time.
When flying ANA, Velocity Frequent Flyer (VFF) members can earn points and status credits across over 130 destinations in the ANA network, including 12 domestic links in Japan (such as Sapporo, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Osaka-Kansai, Nagasaki, and Okinawa), and connections to Asia, North America and Europe.
The expanded deal comes after Virgin commenced its first flights to Japan at the end of June.
Velocity Frequent Flyer CEO, Nick Rohrlach said the expanded partnership would create “more value and choice for our guests and members, as we connect them to more destinations than ever before”.
“We are incredibly excited to be expanding our partnership with ANA … From today, our 11.5 million members can earn Points and Status Credits on flights to more than 130 additional destinations through ANA’s global network across Japan, Asia, North America and Europe,” he added.
“Following the commencement of our inaugural Cairns to Tokyo (Haneda) service last month, it is fantastic to be opening up more opportunities for our guests and members when travelling to, and within, Japan, with the nation’s largest airline.”
Rohrlach said Virgin was “laser-focused on securing new ways for our members to earn Points and we know that Japan is an Australian-favourite for holidaying and business travel”.
“We are very proud of this partnership with ANA, All Nippon Airways, and look forward to seeing our guests and members enjoy the choice, benefits and rewards that the alignment offers.”
Earning points
Through the partnership, Silver, Gold and Platinum members flying on ANA planes with VA flight numbers will earn points on miles on top of base points, accruing 50 per cent, 75 per cent and 100 per cent bonus points respectively.
Gold and Platinum members on ANA flights will receive priority check-in, priority baggage and an extra checked baggage allowance among other benefits.
Meanwhile, to mark the launch, Velocity members will earn 20 per cent bonus points on eligible ANA-operated Sydney-Tokyo flights for travel between 18 July and 31 December 2023. The member must activate this offer by 1 August 2023 to qualify for this offer.
For more on Virgin Australia, click here.
