VA/HX codesharing

VIRIN Australia today revealed details of a new codeshare deal with Hong Kong Airlines, part of the strategic alliance announced in Feb between the two airlines.

Under the arrangement, Virgin will offer codeshare services on Hong Kong Airlines’ five weekly services between Hong Kong and the Gold Coast and Cairns.

VA customers travelling on the services will be able to book onward flights to mainland China under an interline agreement with Hong Kong Airlines (HX).

Hong Kong Airlines pax flying to or from HKG will be able to codeshare on Virgin Australia’s soon-to-debut Melbourne-Hong Kong service, along with flights between Gold Coast & Auckland, Melbourne & Christchurch and Melbourne & Auckland.

Within Australia, HX pax will be able to codeshare on services between Melbourne and Cairns, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Gold Coast & Darwin, as well as between Sydney and the Gold Coast & Cairns; between Brisbane & Cairns and between the Gold Coast and Adelaide.

Members of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program will be able to earn Velocity points and status credits when travelling on eligible flights operated by HX, from 05 Jul, and Hong Kong Airlines’ Fortune Wings Club members can earn points on eligible VA services.

The parties also plan to provide further benefits for members of Velocity and Fortune Wings Club later this year, including access to airline lounges, priority check-in, priority boarding and additional baggage allowance.

An exchange of cabin crews to enhance the inflight experience for pax is also being considered.

VA/HX will begin selling codeshare and interline services later this month.