Skywards Continues Its Winning Streak - Eight Awards and Counting

Skywards has been voted the Middle East's Leading Airline Rewards Program at the recent World Travel Awards. This prestigious accolade comes just after Skywards won an exceptional four awards at the 2011 Frequent Traveller Awards across the Middle East, Asia & Oceania region for Best Earning Promotion (Miles Accelerator), Best Elite Program, Best Customer Service, and overall Program of the Year. These honours join two additional awards conferred at the 2011 Loyalty Conference recognizing the unique Skywards Miles Accelerator and being named Best Loyalty Program by Middle East Traveller Magazine.

In January 2010, Skywards enhanced its programme structure in response to the evolving business environment and as a result of input and feedback from Skywards members. The result is a more modern, rewarding and personalised programme for Skywards members; winning recognition across the industry and, most importantly, from its members.

When Skywards introduced the new programme structure, the intent was to offer members more choice and flexibility. Skywards remains one of the most generous and rewarding loyalty programmes in the industry; offering miles on all fares without exception, plus generous bonuses of 75% and 150% for Business and First Class travel respectively.

In terms of rewards, Skywards members are offered the ultimate in choice and flexibility. Members can choose either Saver or Flex Flight Rewards in any cabin, with no blackout dates or Upgrade Rewards which are allowed on any fare and redeemable at check-in or on-board. Furthermore, in terms of status, Skywards is one of the few programmes extended to members over any 13 months to achieve Silver or Gold status.

The innovative Miles Accelerator moves away from traditional airline methods of awarding bonus miles just for a limited period. Instead, the Skywards Miles Accelerator has become a permanent feature of the programme offering generous bonus opportunities, no matter where or when a customer purchases their ticket. Miles Accelerator bonuses are earned in addition to standard miles accrued; thus, “accelerating” the opportunity for Skywards member to earn and enjoy greater/quicker rewards, such as flights and upgrades.

"The Skywards Miles Accelerator is unique in its offering of a wide range of flight bonuses throughout the entire year on Emirates lighter flights, allowing customers to maximise the miles they can earn,” said Emirates’ Brian LaBelle, VP Skywards. “The fact that the Skywards programme and the Miles Accelerator awards were presented as a result of popular votes makes these honours event more significant. Winning these respected awards only reinforces our commitment to provide our Skywards members with the best loyalty programme possible. We thank all of our Skywards members for their participation and contribution in making Skywards a success."