Northstar

The Indispensable Travel Industry Read Feature Highlight Loyal treatment Vol. 4 Issue 10 | October 2013 | www.travelweeklyweb.com | Published by Travel & Meetings Group, Contineo Media Pte Ltd People Angel Gallego replaces David Brett at Amadeus Page 7 Business From left: Sim S Lim, Singapore Country Head, DBS Bank, Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group CEO and Tan Tong Hai, CEO of StarHub together with AirAsia's cabin crew Skyscanner acquires Fogg Page 8 AirAsia goes BIG on loyalty SINGAPORE – AirAsia's loyalty programme, BIG, has finally hit the shores of Singapore. As the first independent loyalty programme offered by a low cost airline in Asia, BIG allows travellers to accumulate loyalty points, which they can redeem for free flights and other AirAsia add-ons such as baggage and Hot Seats. To enhance the loyalty benefits, BIG has also partnered with local giants, DBS Bank and StarHub, where customers from both brands can also convert their reward points to BIG Points for redemption. "As we celebrate the incredible milestone of having flown 200 million guests, we continue to innovate and find ways to add value to the AirAsia experience. BIG is one such example. As the first low cost airline in this region to offer a loyalty programme, this is a great way for us to differentiate ourselves from the other airlines. Besides enjoying low fares, our customers can now collect loyalty points which can be redeemed for additional services – now who can beat that?" said Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group chief executive officer. "With an exhaustive and growing list of over 70 regional partners, representing more than 1,500 brands in the retail, financial and travel industry such as Petronas and CIMB Bank in Malaysia, Bangkok Bank and Central in Thailand, Bank Mandiri and Indosat in Indonesia and now, DBS and StarHub in Singapore, it is evident that BIG is evolving rapidly in the ASEAN market. AirAsia BIG is more than just a frequent flyer programme; it is the only regional frequent flyer program that makes travel even more attainable to our customers. Our Big Shots can redeem any seat across Asia that is available on AirAsia and redemptions can start from as low as 10 BIG Points. Big Shots can also top up any redemption with cash as long as they have a minimum of 500 BIG Points," said Alice Goh, AirAsia BIG's chief executive officer. The AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme was launched in Malaysia back in November 2011, followed by Indonesia a month later; and Thailand in February 2012. Through alliances with the partners at the various markets, the Programme has vaulted to more than 700,000 members globally comprising 150 nationalities, and is expecting to quadruple its revenues this year. The Programme is also venturing into new markets such as China, India and The Philippines. DBS' card members will be able to convert DBS Rewards Points to Big Points or choose to earn three per cent cash rebates when they purchase AirAsia flights using their POSB Everyday credit card. StarHub customers can convert their StarHub Rewards Points to BIG Points, for free AirAsia flights.

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