Sneak Peek at Two Improvements in Air Canada's New Aeroplan FFP

Air Canada has unveiled details of two new Aeroplan features in advance of the re-launch of its loyalty program later this year.

"Like all Canadians, we remain deeply concerned about these unprecedented times and the effects on our health and economy. Yet, we continue to plan for a time when we can safely welcome all customers back in the skies," said Mark Nasr, Vice President, Loyalty and eCommerce at Air Canada. "The redesigned Aeroplan will make it easier to travel and offer an improved experience to all members—both frequent and infrequent travelers. We're confident that everyone will see new features that speak directly to them and better suit their travel needs – once they are ready to travel again."

Since announcing that it would launch a new loyalty program in 2020, Air Canada has connected with over 36,000 consumers to learn what attributes and benefits they want from a travel loyalty program. These two new features directly reflect that feedback, allowing members to:

- Members can now purchase miles for themselves or give the gift of miles to other Aeroplan Members, at any time, through the Aeroplan website. Previously, members could only purchase miles to top up their Aeroplan account when they were making a flight reward booking (which continues to be available). Members can also continue to transfer their miles to another member.

- Members now have the option to use Aeroplan Miles when bidding for an upgrade to a higher cabin. Previously, customers could only bid for a cabin upgrade using a credit card at on Air Canada's website. This is the first of what will be many new ways for members to access popular extras and premium travel features to make their trip stress-free and more comfortable.

In developing these new options, Air Canada worked with two Canadian firms, both existing business partners: Montreal-based Plusgrade, a leader in ancillary revenue and merchandising solutions for AC Bid Upgrade and Toronto-based Points for the Buy/Gift Miles feature.

"Air Canada is proud to work with two Canadian success stories on these new features. Working together with these businesses during such challenging times, while utilizing at-home resources, shows just how capable our partners are and helps support local jobs and our economy during this difficult period. With airline and hotel customers in every corner of the globe, they're the undisputed leaders in their respective spaces because they innovate with win-win products benefiting both travelers and loyalty program operators," said Mr. Nasr.

To help members get ready for their future travels while they're at home, Aeroplan members can enjoy significant bonuses for all miles purchased up to 13 May 2020:

- For the first 10 million Aeroplan Miles purchased, eligible Aeroplan Members get a 115% bonus;

- For the next 100 million Aeroplan Miles purchased, eligible Aeroplan Members will get a 90% bonus; and

- For all Aeroplan Miles purchased afterwards, through the end of the promotion, eligible Aeroplan Members will get a 65% bonus.

As part of this offer and the Air Canada Travel at Home campaign, Aeroplan and its partner Points, will match a portion of the Aeroplan Miles purchased and donate them towards The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation (CAMH).

Air Canada is expected to unveil more changes and program improvements in the coming weeks.

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