SWISS takes off with new frequent flyer programme

Swiss TravelClub replaces the existing Qualiflyer programme, while members continue to enjoy the same privileges.

Meanwhile, members registered in the UAE, travelling on business or economy class during February and March 2003, now have the advantage of accruing double miles, which can be redeemed for a host of benefits. Furthermore, all new members in the Middle East will receive 1,000 airmiles on enrolment.

"Qualiflyer was operated jointly by a number of European airlines. With the many changes the aviation industry has recently seen, we are now pursuing different strategies - especially on the alliance front and decided to create our own programme under a new name, SWISS TravelClub," said Felix Rodel, Area Manager, SWISS for Arabian Gulf.

"We're constantly working towards better partnerships to provide more quality benefits to our members. With this double miles offer, we wanted to make travelling on SWISS not only an enjoyable experience for our valuable customers but also a doubly rewarding one."

Members who are frequent SWISS flyers will continue to enjoy additional benefits within the programme through their membership of Swiss TravelClub, and the Silver and Gold levels. Very frequent travellers will be invited to join the Swiss Circle - exclusively reserved for the airline's very best customers.

Members also have the option of transferring accrued miles to immediate family members living at the same household address including parents, siblings and children, with a minimum of 10,000 accumulated miles. In addition to collecting airmiles on SWISS flights, members will also earn miles on partner carriers American Airlines, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qantas and Malaysia Airlines - who are closely aligned to SWISS. Members may accrue miles from flights, car-rental companies, international hotel chains and credit card purchases. Accrued miles can be used to redeem free tickets for members, companions or third parties, together with free upgrades and leisure offers at over 4,000 hotels and resorts worldwide.

"Swiss TravelClub helps to further define our identity, bringing us closer to our most loyal customers. By operating our own loyalty programme, we are able to constantly evaluate our customer offering," added Rodel.

Swiss TravelClub Silver and Gold benefits include additional bonus miles, access to the business class lounge and additional baggage allowance, while Gold status also allows lounge access for a companion. Current Qualiflyer members will have their membership and miles automatically transferred to Swiss TravelClub. Further information is available on www.swiss.com/travelclub

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