EasyJet enters marriage of convenience with Virgin

EasyJet has partnered with Virgin Atlantic Airways for connections at its London Gatwick base, giving passengers on mainland Europe easy access to routes across the Atlantic. Connecting with Virgin flights will open up destinations including Las Vegas, Orlando, Antigua and St. Lucia, the carriers said Tuesday. Similar agreements are already in place with the likes of Norwegian Air Shuttle, WestJet and SIA. EasyJet is using its network of centrally located airports across Europe to offer the connectivity that has typically been a burden for legacy airlines. Flag carriers have often incurred losses from running short flights designed to fill their more profitable long-haul routes. The airline is expecting to pen further deals with Mideast carriers and competitors in the Far East before the end of this year, it said Tuesday. <br/>