The agreement between the SkyTeam stablemates will initially extend to Kenya Airways’ Nairobi service from Heathrow, Virgin’s London base.

It will allow Virgin Atlantic customers to book Nairobi direct, while Kenya Airways passengers will be able to seamlessly connect with the Virgin network, via Heathrow, to destinations such as the Caribbean.

Virgin Atlantic Fly CLub’s Gold and Silver members will be able to take advantage of SkyPriority services at Heathrow and Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International airport, such as priority check-in, baggage handling and boarding. The same will apply to Kenya Airways’ Platinum and Gold Asante Rewards members.

In addition, Flying Club members will be able to earn Virgin Points on safari bookings through Virgin Atlantic Holidays and Virgin Limited Edition.

Juha Jarvinen, Virgin Atlantic chief commercial officer, said: "We know our customers will enjoy a seamless travel experience, with more opportunities to earn and spend their miles with increased benefits for our SkyPriority members.

"We’re committed to enhancing connectivity and as the only UK airline to codeshare on the Heathrow to Nairobi route, we’ll be providing more choice and flexibility for customers booking with Virgin Atlantic."

Julius Thairu, Kenya Airways chief commercial officer and customer officer, added the deal would boost choice, convenience and connectivity, and stressed Kenya’s soon-to-be visa-free travel regime would complement the Virgin tie-on.

"Access to Kenya from the UK is now more accessible than ever before," said Thairu. "From January this year, visitors from outside of Africa, including the United Kingdom, will only require an online authorisation to travel to Kenya, instead of a full visa."