EMIRATES, a Dubai-based international airline has revealed that 50-60% of its passengers are members of the Emirates Skywards, the award-winning frequent flyer programme of the airline.
The Country Manager for Emirates Ghana, Hendrik Du Preez who disclosed in Accra explained that since the introduction of the programme in 2000, it had entrenched the culture of repeat travels which increased the sales for the airline.
Though Mr Preez did not disclose the millions of dollars made from the programme, it attracted a lot of passengers to the one of the world’s fastest growing airlines.
Since its launch, Emirates Skywards connects its members with places and their passions by rewarding their loyalty with a wide range of privileges, travel benefits and unique experiences. Over 10 million members are enjoying the programme’s privileges and benefits, he told journalists at a media interaction in Accra recently.
Mr Preez added: “Open for everyone to join, Emirates Skywards offers four tiers of membership – Blue, Silver, Gold and Platinum – with each tier providing a selection of exclusive and exciting privileges.
Programme members earn Skywards Miles whenever they fly Emirates or select partner airlines, as well as when they use the programme’s designated hotels, car rentals, financial, leisure and lifestyle partners”.
The accrued Skywards Miles, he explained could then be redeemed for an amazing range of rewards, including flight tickets and upgrades on Emirates, hotel accommodation, excursions, and shopping.
Touching on membership miles, Mr Preez noted that two types of Miles in the Emirates Skywards programme namely, Skywards Miles were earned through flights, promotions and partner offers which could be redeemed for a variety of rewards.
While, Tier Miles, he said were earned only on Emirates flights and count towards the next membership tier.
Membership tier status is determined by the number of tier miles earned within a 12 to 13 month period. Tier miles are earned based on a combination of fare, cabin and zone of travel: Blue- 0 tier miles; Silver-25,000 tier miles ; Gold-50,000 tier miles; and Platinum: 150,000 tier miles.
Members, according to Mr Preez could also qualify for a higher tier when completing within a 13 month period: Silver- 25 flights; Gold-50 flights; and Platinum: 75 flights.
He assured passengers:”The more members fly, the more Skywards Miles they can earn. Miles are earned on every flight, even on special fares. Depending on class of travel and tier level earning possibilities can be significantly increased: Bonus based on class of travel: First Class on Emirates-150% base mile bonus; and Business Class on Emirates-75% base miles bonus”.
The Skywards Miles Accelerator which Mr Preez explained was a unique online tool which allows members to earn even more miles. By signing up, members can increase their mileage balance and generate bonus miles on selected flights throughout the year.
Skywards Miles can be redeemed for a wide range of exciting rewards that include flights and upgrades to one of the 137 Emirates destinations world-wide, hotel accommodation, tickets to exclusive events and shopping.
Alternately, Skywards Miles can be spent for flights on partner airlines, hotel reservation, car hire and countless leisure activities.
African Eye News
