Air New Zealand announces codeshare with Virgin Atlantic

Now this is interesting

Very interesting!

So as I read it you could fly LHR-vs-SFO-nz-AKL and LHR-vs-HKG-nz-AKL all on a VS ticket. Doesn't mention LAX at all in this so no LHR-vs-LAX-nz-AKL.


I wonder if in the future on a VS ticket you will be able to pick who you fly with between LHR-LAX and LHR-HKG, if so then VS will lose a lot of business down the back.

I like this - I also think that apart from the DJ issue, VS and NZ would be Great in the same company, both have a very similar 'feel' to them.

As to VS losing business to NZ on LAX and HKG eejp, you're assuming NZ has the space ... also, this hasn't stopped CO offering VS flights out of EWR ...

Edit and caveat - DJ and NZ already codeshare down under, so even better ...

Does this mean we could use VS reward miles on NZ?

Does this mean we could use VS reward miles on NZ?

You always have been, and even better LHR-LAX on NZ BizPremier is 90k FC miles v. 100k on Virgin.

I am an idiot.. its official.

It's 75k Flying Club miles for NZ Business Class LHR to LAX

Grrrr....
As Clarkey rightly points out more quickly above me.... NZ BizPremier is only 75,000 FC miles to LHR-LAX vs VS 100,000!
This is my next spend!
Also VS taxes on this route £400 and NZ £332 so a little cheaper on the pocket too.

Ed

Just had an update through from NZ

"Passengers will be able to book with Virgin Atlantic to travel on connecting journeys on the following Air New Zealand routes using Virgin’s VS flight code:


Los Angeles – Rarotonga
San Francisco – Auckland
Sydney – Auckland
Sydney – Christchurch
Sydney – Wellington
Auckland – Christchurch
Auckland – Wellington
Auckland –Queenstown
Auckland – Rarotonga "

So the key word there is 'connecting' I take it? Means you'll be able to book those routes but only as part of a VS itinery?

Does this mean that we can collect VS miles on NZ flights?

You already can, and tp's

Does this mean that we can collect VS miles on NZ flights?

You can already do that and have been able to for about 12 years (or longer) as VS and NZ have been FFP partners.

I like this - I also think that apart from the DJ issue, VS and NZ would be Great in the same company, both have a very similar 'feel' to them.

Edit and caveat - DJ and NZ already codeshare down under, so even better ...

The reason why this announcement is even more interesting is because of what is happening at the moment with DJ/NZ. In a very quick terms, DJ and NZ are applying to pretty much merge their networks. All DJ flights across the ditch will carry NZ flight numbers and vice verser. It is also my understanding that all NZ domestic and DJ domestic flights will carry the others flight numbers. What is more, in the original application to the NZ CAA, DJ stated that it would be offering the same level of service as NZ, so a complete move away from LCC model. The idea being that one would book with say NZ but actually fly on a DJ aircraft and not be able to tell the difference!

Couple with this the fact that DJ is about to undergo a major face lift, their newest 738 has been delivered in all white and is expected to come out with a new VA inspired livery (rumours of name change to VA also) and you can see that the NZ/DJ alliance/codeshare/quasi merger is really taking shape.

I did start a thread on the DJ/NZ talks when originally announced but cant find it now.

Then you throw in VS codesharing with NZ all of a sudden and you can see that really this could be part of a much wider picture in which DJ/NZ align more closely and VS comes along for the ride as well.

also interesting that DJ are taking on the A330-200
see this link

As an aside, is there a way of finding out availability of reward flights on NZ flights using FC miles *without* having to phone the call centre i.e. online somehow

Have flown NZ afew times domestic only in AUS/NZ when i was out there. Funnily enough although I found the service amazing and the lounge in Sydney is quite fantastic! the service element was very low cost carrier, will go very well with Virgin Blue.

On the 75k miles front would defo remember to use that little bargain for when i next plan to fly west coast

Platinum Leo

As an aside, is there a way of finding out availability of reward flights on NZ flights using FC miles *without* having to phone the call centre i.e. online somehow

I recall something about being able to do this via the ANA Web site (might well be wrong) and becoming a member of their FF scheme in the *A. But, their allocation of reward tickets may be different to VS's since it isn't in *A ... it seems the unwieldly, slow, and unsatisfactory route of calling VS is still the best.