Northstar

www.travelweeklyweb.com www.travelweeklyweb.com March 2014 | TRAVELWeekly AsiA ■ | 13 Airlines The AirAsia BIG loyalty program continues to benefit from the growing customer base of both AirAsia and Tune Group. AirAsia, Aimia and Think Big Digital form partnership to grow the AirAsia BIG Loyalty programme AirAsia's loyalty programme currently spans across Southeast Asia, a growing market with a population of 634 million. KUALA LUMPUR – AirAsia Berhad, Asia's fastest growing and largest low- cost airline, Aimia Inc., a global leader in loyalty management headquartered in Canada and Think Big Digital, have announced the signing of a partnership agreement for Aimia's acquisition of a minority stake in Think Big, the owner and operator of BIG – AirAsia and Tune Group's loyalty program. Aimia will initially invest appro- ximately (C$16 million) in Think Big, with up to an additional (C$7 million) to be invested if certain milestones are achieved by December 31, 2015. The partnership combines AirAsia's unrivaled success in the Asian market, which has seen it grow from just two aircraft to more than 160 in 12 years, Tune Group's portfolio of successful companies including hotels, pre-paid Visa cards, insurance and music companies – and Aimia's unmatched expertise in the design and management of travel- based loyalty programs, to provide BIG members and partners with a loyalty proposition that is truly rewarding. "The partnership between AirAsia, Think Big Digital and Aimia is yet another way that AirAsia and Tune Group are innovating and driving change in the Asian airline market – all to the benefit of our members, guests and investors," said Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia and co-founder of Tune Group. "With its experience running the world's largest standalone frequent flyer programs, the Aimia team has unique and invaluable insight. We are thrilled to be working together to leverage that knowledge as we continue to grow the AirAsia BIG loyalty program." "The AirAsia BIG loyalty program is a great opportunity to export Aimia's coalition business model and to help our clients create deep and lasting relationships with their customers," said Rupert Duchesne, Aimia's Group Chief Executive. "Through this partnership with AirAsia and Tune Group, we look forward to sharing our experience with this program, while also growing our presence in the high- potential Asian loyalty market." AirAsia BIG loyalty program spans across Southeast Asia, a growing market with a population of 634 million. The region is ranked fourth globally in airline market size. The AirAsia BIG loyalty program continues to benefit from the growing customer base of both AirAsia and Tune Group. It has already attracted a broad coalition of partners ranging from credit card companies, retail stores, petrol stations, and insurance and telecom firms, in addition to the AirAsia and Tune Group family partners. "With AirAsia's customer base of over 43 million guests a year, the potential of BIG to deliver deeper, more meaningful relationships to a broad membership base is significant," said Alice Goh, CEO AirAsia BIG Loyalty program. "We believe that this potential extends beyond flight revenues and we look forward to working with all BIG partners to build a cutting-edge program."

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