The move will see Virgin’s code being placed on WestJet flights to 32 destinations in Canada, including year-round transatlantic services from Gatwick to Calgary and Toronto and summer flights to Halifax and Vancouver.

The deal will also cover 28 of WestJet’s domestic destinations in Canada, including Montreal, Quebec City and Edmonton.

Juha Jarvinen, executive vice-president commercial at Virgin Atlantic, said: “This new partnership will open up a plethora of Canadian destinations to our customers and offer more choice for those looking to fly directly to Canada.

“Customers will have the security and ease of booking through a codeshare and we are sure our customers will enjoy flying with WestJet.”

Virgin Atlantic will put its code on WestJet services from Gatwick to 32 Canadian destinations from Tuesday (19 November) for travel from Thursday (21 November).

Brian Znotins, WestJet’s vice-president network planning and alliances, added: “WestJet welcomes Virgin Atlantic guests onboard our flights to and from Gatwick and throughout our Canadian network.

“We believe Virgin Atlantic codeshare, offering seamless connections, one itinerary, and WestJet’s caring onboard experience, will inspire global travellers to choose Canada.”