WestJet and Virgin Atlantic Expand Global Reach with Major Loyalty Program Integration

In a move that significantly strengthens the transatlantic aviation landscape, WestJet and Virgin Atlantic have today announced a comprehensive expansion of their partnership. Effective immediately, members of WestJet Rewards and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club can now earn and redeem points across both airlines’ entire global networks, marking a new era of connectivity for Canadian and British travellers.

This update represents WestJet’s first new reciprocal loyalty partnership in nearly a decade and follows the carrier’s major loyalty program overhaul last year. The timing is strategic, coinciding with the first anniversary of Virgin Atlantic’s successful return to the Toronto market.

A Seamless Transatlantic Bridge

The enhanced agreement allows travellers to "earn and burn" points on a vastly expanded map. WestJet Rewards members can now redeem points as payment for WestJet-marketed codeshare flights operated by Virgin Atlantic. This opens up bucket-list destinations through Virgin’s primary hub at London Heathrow (LHR), including high-demand routes to Dubai (DXB), Malé (MLE), Cape Town (CPT), and Johannesburg (JNB).

Conversely, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club members can now accrue Tier Points and Virgin Points across WestJet’s extensive Canadian and North American network, including key hubs such as Vancouver, Calgary, and Montreal.

Official Leadership Perspectives

Leadership from both carriers emphasised that this expansion is designed to simplify the travel experience while rewarding long-term brand loyalty.

John Weatherill, WestJet Executive Vice-President and Chief Commercial Officer, stated:

"Strengthening ties with a world-class airline like Virgin Atlantic has long delivered stronger connectivity for our guests. Today's announcement builds on that foundation, unlocking greater value and expanded opportunities for WestJet Rewards members to engage with our loyalty program. By broadening the ways members can earn and redeem WestJet points, we are making it easier for guests to get even more value out of every journey with WestJet and Virgin Atlantic."

Juha Jaervinen, Virgin Atlantic’s Chief Customer Officer, highlighted the operational growth supporting the loyalty update:

"As we approach the one-year anniversary of our return to Toronto, we're pleased to deliver more ways for our customers to earn and burn through Flying Club alongside our partners at WestJet and introduce increased capacity with daily flights on our largest aircraft, 397–seater, Airbus A350-1000 for the summer season."

Impacted Air Operations and Enhanced Capacity

To support the anticipated surge in loyalty-driven travel, Virgin Atlantic is deploying its flagship Airbus A350-1000 on the Toronto–London corridor for the Summer 2026 season. This deployment significantly increases the available seat count and introduces the airline’s most modern premium products to the Canadian market.

Note: VS127/128 will be operated by the 397-seat Airbus A350-1000. Schedules are subject to seasonal adjustments.

Strategic Importance of the Toronto Gateway

Toronto Pearson (YYZ) has emerged as the pivotal "bridge" for this partnership. By basing operations at Terminal 3, both airlines have streamlined the connection process for passengers transferring from WestJet’s domestic Canadian flights to Virgin Atlantic’s long-haul international services. This operational alignment, combined with the new loyalty perks, positions the duo as a formidable alternative to traditional alliance-heavy carriers on the North Atlantic.