Until now, the United Kingdom has been a “blank spot” on the world map of the Skyteam aviation alliance, as this country had no members. This will change effective March 2, 2023, as Virgin Atlantic formally joins the alliance.

In September 2022, the airline, which specializes in long-haul flights, announced that it would join Skyteam. This alliance is characterized in particular by Air France-KLM and Delta Air Lines. The local UK market leader, British Airways, has been a founding member of the competing Oneworld since 1999. The now defunct British Midland International was organized in the Star Alliance from 2002 until it was dissolved.

Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss has officially confirmed that the airline he manages will be a full member of Skyteam from March 2, 2023. They are already working closely with Delta Air Lines and Air France-KLM, among others. A joint venture is maintained, which has significantly strengthened the transatlantic activities of the three companies. In the future, Skyteam's presence at London Heathrow Airport will be significantly larger. Sooner or later, Virgin Atlantic also wants to bring Gatwick services back to pre-crisis levels.

This aviation alliance is currently concerned about access to the Italian market. The background is that Ita Airways is currently organized in Skyteam, but Lufthansa is endeavoring to gradually take over the Alitalia successor. It can be assumed that the Kranich Group is striving for Ita Airways to switch to the Star Alliance.