New airline alliance memberships are few and far between, making them even more exciting. Finally, Thursday, March 2, the time has come for Virgin Atlantic to join the SkyTeam Alliance. The signing ceremony occurred in London, and Virgin Atlantic is SkyTeam's first and only UK member airline.

Joining an alliance is a big moment for an airline, not to mention for its customers. Virgin Atlantic passengers will now be able to travel with more ease across the booking and connection process to over 1,000 destinations in 170 countries, as well as earn and redeem loyalty points across 18 other carriers.

Opening up key market

Virgin's Flying Club members have more opportunities to earn Virgin Points and Tier Points across all member airlines, accelerating rewards and tier status. Gold and Silver members will receive other benefits, including SkyPriority airport services for Gold members.

For SkyTeam customers, the addition will mean increased access to connectivity for London Heathrow and Manchester Airport and lounge access for premium loyalty members.

T3 at LHR and Clubhouse access

The alliance membership expands on an existing joint partnership with SkyTeam members Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM. Furthermore, codeshare agreements are already in place with Middle Eastern Airlines and Aeromexico. Virgin is co-located with Delta, Aeromexico, and China Eastern in Terminal 3 at LHR. SkyTeam Elite Plus members traveling with Virgin, Delta, or Aeromexico will have access to Virgin's Clubhouse. Elite Plus members traveling with other airlines can use the airline-designated lounge at Terminal 3.

Virgin Atlantic joining takes the alliance's member numbers back up to 19 after Aeroflot was suspended following Russia's war of aggression on Ukraine.