SAS and Virgin Atlantic have announced a new codeshare agreement. The partnership, launching on Oct. 7, will allow SAS customers to connect via Heathrow to additional Virgin Atlantic destinations, with availability expanding as approvals are finalized. Virgin Atlantic customers traveling on flights from the US and Canada, said the announcement, can purchase seamless onward connections through London Heathrow and Manchester onto SAS’ services to Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Stavanger and Bergen.

Following SAS’ formal enrollment into SkyTeam on Sept. 1, SAS EuroBonus members will receive instant earning and redeeming opportunities when traveling on Virgin Atlantic. Additionally, Flying Club members will be able to earn and redeem their points across SAS services. Virgin Atlantic is the only UK member of SkyTeam.

SAS EuroBonus Gold and Diamond members ¾ as well as Virgin Atlantic’s Gold – Flying Club members ¾ can take advantage of SkyPriority services at London Heathrow, with benefits including priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding. Virgin Atlantic’s Gold and Silver Flying Club members can take advantage of SkyPriority services and SAS lounges at Stockholm Arlanda, Copenhagen and Oslo airports.

Paul Verhagen, chief commercial officer at SAS, said the partnership “expands SAS’s global reach and offers customers even more travel options to new and exciting destinations.” This collaboration, he said, “provides EuroBonus members with expanded opportunities to earn and redeem points across Virgin Atlantic’s extensive network, strengthening the value of the loyalty program.”

Juha Jarvinen, chief commercial officer at Virgin Atlantic, said, “We’re delighted to launch a codeshare with our SkyTeam partners at SAS, enhancing our connectivity and offering greater customer benefits to our frequent flyers, who will be able to achieve rewards faster.”