Kingfisher, Emirates deal to add frequent flyer benefits

12 February, 2008:

Kingfisher Airlines and Emirates Airlines have entered into a deal to expand the benefits offered to members of their frequent flyers' programs. Both partners will explore and embark on mutually beneficial marketing opportunities. With the agreement being signed, Kingfisher Airlines has become the first airline from the Indian sub-continent region to partner with Emirates Airlines' acclaimed frequent flyer program.

The agreement has been inked by Brian LaBelle, Skywards' Senior Vice President and A Raghunathan, Executive Vice-President of Kingfisher Airlines. The deal will come into effect on March 1, 2008.

According to a statement from Emirates, the coming together of the two market-leading airline companies gives their frequent flyers much reason to rejoice with the announcement of the combined Frequent Flyer program. The partnership provides the members unmatched travel benefits in the form of bonus Miles and entitles them to redeem it while flying either airline. Frequent flyers of both airlines can now earn and burn frequent flyer miles on each others' programs.

Members of both programs will be able to accrue points as per the actual miles flown and a 100 per cent bonus for Business Class flights of the other airline. Redemption will begin with 7,500 Miles on Economy class for one way flights.

Vijay Mallya, Chairman and CEO, Kingfisher Airlines said, "The partnership with Emirates Airlines marks yet another step towards offering our discerning King Club members a series of compelling and unmatched benefits. King Club members now have an extended global footprint over which they can redeem their accumulated entitlements. I am delighted that King Club members will now be able to enjoy access to the benefits and facilities extended to members of the Skywards program."

Added Orhan Abbas, Vice President, India and Nepal, Emirates Airlines,“Our global network combined with Kingfisher's strong connectivity within India will offer a fabulous opportunity to Emirates' Skywards members to earn or burn the points. With Kingfisher as our partner, we are confident that this innovative product will mutually benefit the airlines and our passengers. Emirates has been strengthening its operations across India and this association will only further enhance our growth."

According to Brian LaBelle, Skywards’Senior Vice President, "The agreement represents an additional step in extending unparalleled benefits to our discerning members.”