Virgin Australia today announced a new codeshare agreement with Italy’s national carrier, Alitalia.

On sale from 15 April 2016, Virgin Australia customers will be able to book travel on Alitalia’s daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Rome and Milan Malpensa*.

Virgin Australia Chief Commercial Officer Judith Crompton said: “We are very excited to partner with Alitalia and provide more choice to our customers travelling to Italy.

“Like Virgin Australia, Alitalia has a commitment to superior customer service and a young fleet.

“Members of our Velocity Frequent Flyer program and Alitalia’s MilleMiglia program will soon benefit from the partnership.

“We will continue to work closely with other international carriers to give our customers access to more destinations, more flights and more convenient schedules, as well as increased benefits for Velocity members,” Ms Crompton said.

Details on the frequent flyer agreement will be released soon.

From mid-year, Virgin Australia’s three weekly services between Sydney and Abu Dhabi using Boeing 777 aircraft will feature the airline’s signature Business Class experience, ‘The Business’, together with a new Business Class bar and refreshed Premium Economy cabin.

Alitalia operates daily services between Abu Dhabi and Rome using Airbus 330 aircraft and between Abu Dhabi and Milan using Boeing 777 aircraft.

*Flights subject to regulatory approval.