Award winning Virgin Atlantic has signed a codeshare agreement with Cyprus Airways which will see the carriers cooperate on routes between the UK, the US and Cyprus.

Operated by Virgin Group, Virgin Atlantic was last year recognised as the World’s Leading Transatlantic Airline by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

Under the agreement, travellers will be able to purchase single itineraries to connect with ease between Cypriot gateway Larnaca and a variety of Virgin Atlantic’s US destinations on routes which currently see high levels of demand.

George Mavrocostas, executive chairman for Cyprus Airways, said: “We are confident that the Cyprus travelling public will actively welcome this partnership, as it will be opening up the North Atlantic market on Cyprus’ flag carrier code in cooperation with Virgin Atlantic, jointly providing the care and comfort that both carriers offer on their flights.”

The initial agreement will see Cyprus Airways put their code on Virgin Atlantic flights operating between London Heathrow and Boston, Los Angeles, New York JFK and Newark, while Virgin Atlantic will code share on Cyprus Airways services between Larnaca and London Heathrow.

Edmond Rose, director of commercial & revenue planning for Virgin Atlantic, said: “It is a pleasure to be working closely with Cyprus Airways to offer new codeshare flights between major cities in the United States and Larnaca.

“The codeshare will make buying tickets and travelling between the US and Cyprus simpler for Virgin Atlantic’s and Cyprus Airways’ passengers.”

The two carriers expect the code share to come into force on July 25th 2011 after obtaining the relevant government approvals.