Optus gets on board Qantas' revamped frequent flyer program

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 17 May 2011 15:25

IT Industry - Strategy

From later this year Optus consumer and SMB customers will be able to earn Qantas frequent flyer points on their Optus services under a new partnership between the two companies that is part of a major upgrade of its frequent flyer program announced by Qantas today.

The Optus - Qantas alliance is subject to the signing of a definitive agreement between the two companies and will launch in the second half of 2011. It will make Optus the only telecommunications provider to reward consumer and small and medium business customers with Qantas Frequent Flyer points for its products and services. Qantas will also add a number of Optus products and services as redemption options available for Qantas Frequent Flyer points in the online Qantas Frequent Flyer store.

Optus CEO, Paul O'Sullivan, said: "Securing a compelling loyalty and rewards program is a strategic imperative for Optus. It will allow us to differentiate in an increasingly competitive telecoms market and offer customers additional benefits for choosing Optus as their telco provider.

Qantas said that, in addition to the Optus relationship, its frequent flyer program "will undergo a major round of program enhancements to offer even more value to its 7.8 million members."

From today, Qantas Frequent Flyer will begin introducing a number of changes. These will include more options to earn points on an expanded range of Jetstar flights and increased points bonuses for premium class travel and premium cardholders.

Jetstar is today introducing a new fare structure which will see Frequent Flyer members able to earn both points and status credits in economy and business on any fare purchase with a "Plus or Max Bundle".

On Qantas flights the Premium Economy Cabin bonus will increase from 10 percent to 25 percent, Business Cabin bonus from 25 percent to 50 percent and First Class Cabin bonus from 50 percent to 100 percent. Gold and Silver Status bonus points have also been increased from 50 percent to 75 percent and from 25 percent to 50 percent respectively.