Singapore Airlines and Virgin Australia have announced the first milestone of their recently approved alliance. Commencing early next year both airlines plan to increase services to northern Australia.
From March 26 2012, Singapore Airline's regional full service airline, Silk Air, will commence a four times a week service between Singapore and Darwin. Virgin Australia will complement these services with a daily service between Sydney and Darwin beginning on 2 April 2012.
The two airlines also confirmed that from 20 December this year, they would commence reciprocal frequent flyer recognition, enabling KrisFlyer members to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on Virgin Australia’s entire network and Velocity members to earn and redeem frequent flyer points on Singapore Airlines-operated flights. Reciprocal lounge access is also available for eligible customers.
Singapore Airlines Executive Vice President Commercial and SilkAir Chairman, Mr Mak Swee Wah, said: “We are delighted to be adding Darwin to our network and providing more travel options for our customers as a result of our alliance with Virgin Australia. Our partnership enables us to better service this important market, particularly with the introduction of a strong business class product and extensive international connections.
“The launch of reciprocal frequent flyer programme ties will also be particularly exciting news for our loyal customers. Our partnership with Virgin Australia will be delivering tangible benefits to customers, with more choice for domestic and international travel combined with seamless service.”
http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/about-us/media/2011/PR_SIA_SA_DARWIN_SERVICE/ for a copy of press release.