Airlines

Air India’s Revamped Loyalty Program Takes Off with Exciting Changes

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Air India, one of India’s leading airlines, has unveiled a significant overhaul of its loyalty initiative, now rebranded as the enhanced Flying Returns program.

This comprehensive update aims to provide a more streamlined framework, user-centric functionalities, modernized membership levels, and a vibrant new look, promising enhanced convenience, rewards, and acknowledgment for its participants on a global scale.

Breaking away from its conventional mileage-based model, the revamped Flying Returns program represents a significant shift after over a decade. Under the new structure, members will now accumulate points based on money spent rather than miles traveled, fostering a fairer and more balanced system. This fundamental change reflects Air India’s commitment to adapting to evolving customer needs and preferences.

Key features of the enhanced program include no expiry of points for active members, elimination of blackout dates, consistent tier privileges, and the ability to collect and redeem points across Star Alliance partner airlines worldwide. Moreover, a new customer-friendly digital interface has been introduced to provide a seamless platform for transactions, enhancing the overall user experience.

According to Nipun Aggarwal, Air India’s Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, the revamp of Flying Returns signifies a pivotal step in the airline’s customer-centric approach. Aggarwal emphasized that the transformation was guided by extensive customer feedback and benchmarking against industry best practices, resulting in a more robust and value-driven loyalty program.

As part of its strategy to enhance travel benefits, Air India plans to introduce co-branded credit cards and forge partnerships with other brands. To further incentivize direct bookings, members will earn an additional 2 Reward Points for every Rs 100 spent through the Air India website or app, applicable across all tiers.

In a bid to streamline operations and align with global standards, Air India has revamped its status tiers, replacing long-form titles with simpler terms: red (base tier), silver, gold, and platinum. This renaming reflects the airline’s commitment to clarity and consistency in its loyalty program offerings.

Airlines

PIA Reinstates Manchester and Paris Routes After EU Ban Lift

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced plans to resume flights to Europe starting in January, beginning with Paris as its first destination.

The decision follows the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) removal of a long-standing ban on the airline. PIA’s inaugural flight to Paris is scheduled for January 10, with bookings opening on December 9.

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In an official statement, PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez Khan confirmed that the first flight schedule has been approved, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s recovery efforts. The EU ban had previously cost PIA approximately Rs40 billion ($144 million) annually in lost revenue, compounding its financial struggles.

With European operations restarting, PIA is now setting its sights on the United Kingdom. The airline plans to seek approval from the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to resume flights to major British cities such as London, Manchester, and Birmingham.

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These routes are anticipated to see high demand once necessary clearances are obtained. The lifting of the EU ban represents a key achievement for PIA as it works to rebuild its international network and regain its standing in the global aviation market.

By restoring flights to Europe and aiming for UK destinations, PIA is taking critical steps toward recovering lost ground and improving its financial outlook.