China Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, both members of SkyTeam, are expanding their cooperation through a codeshare arrangement. According to route-information outlet AeroRoutes, the partnership has begun appearing in schedule data and is expected to take effect as early as October 7, 2026, initially covering Virgin Atlantic-operated services between London Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Seoul Incheon International Airport (ICN).
Virgin Atlantic flight VS208 from London to Seoul will also carry China Airlines flight number CI9288, while the return VS209 from Seoul to London will carry CI9289. Current schedule listings show both directions operating daily with Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Under the codeshare arrangement, the same physical flight can be marketed under different airline flight numbers, while Virgin Atlantic remains the operating carrier.
China Airlines announced on September 16, 2026, the 15th anniversary of its joining SkyTeam, that it had signed a codeshare agreement with Virgin Atlantic. The initial plan was to place China Airlines flight numbers on selected Virgin Atlantic-operated services. The London–Seoul listing marks a concrete step in implementing that agreement and continues China Airlines' strategy of expanding network reach through SkyTeam partners. Whether additional codeshare routes will be added has yet to be announced.
