ATLANTA, Sept. 5, 2002—Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) has announced that Virgin Atlantic Airways will join the SkyMiles program effective Oct. 1, 2002. The agreement will enable SkyMiles members to earn and redeem miles for flights on Virgin Atlantic.
To launch the partnership, Delta will award SkyMiles members double miles for qualified* travel on Virgin Atlantic from Oct. 1 through Dec. 15, 2002.
“With nine gateways from the United States and an extensive network out of London, Virgin Atlantic Airways provides SkyMiles members with mileage earning and redemption opportunities to exciting new destinations,” said Rob Borden, Delta’s general manager of SkyMiles Customer Loyalty Programs.”
Founded by Sir Richard Branson in 1984, Virgin Atlantic is the second largest long-haul international airline operating out of London`s Heathrow and Gatwick Airports. The airline holds one of the youngest fleets of aircraft in the world and serves 19 destinations in Africa, Asia, North America and the Caribbean.

Virgin Atlantic offers three classes of service: Economy, Premium Economy and Upper Class. SkyMiles members will earn a minimum of 500 miles or the actual miles flown, whichever is greater, for each Economy Class flight. SkyMiles members will earn a 15 percent mileage bonus for travel in Premium Economy Class and a 25 percent bonus for travel in Upper Class.**
Delta will become a member of flying club, Virgin Atlantic’s frequent flyer program, effective Oct. 1, 2002. flying club members will receive double miles on select Delta routes during the launch period.
Virgin Atlantic is one of the world`s most acclaimed carriers and was named “Favorite Business Class Cabin, Transatlantic Travel” 2001 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler and “Airline of the Year” 2001 by OAG. Virgin Atlantic Airways currently serves London from nine U. S. gateways: Boston, New York (JFK), Newark, Washington DC (Dulles), Miami, Orlando, Las Vegas, San Francisco and Los Angeles. For more information, visit virgin.com/atlantic.
Delta SkyMiles members earn mileage by flying Delta, Delta Connection carriers, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle and Delta`s airline partners, including Delta`s SkyTeam partners.  The Delta SkyMiles program offers many other mileage-building opportunities, including the Delta SkyMiles® Credit Card from American Express, MCI® telecommunication services, Nextel® wireless services, EarthLink? internet services, participating hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, home buying and selling, cruise line and flower purchases. The SkyMiles program received InsideFlyer`s 2001 Industry Impact Award for industry-leading and customer-focused promotions.
Restrictions: * A qualifying flight is one taken with the purchase of a fare that is eligible for frequent flyer mileage credit. ** Mileage accrual is not applicable on Virgin Atlantic between London (LHR) and Johannesburg (JNB) or Capetown (CPT). Mileage is awarded after travel is completed. Allow 6 to 8 weeks after travel date for bonus miles to appear on your mileage summary. Unless otherwise stated, all standard SkyMiles program rules and conditions apply.
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