The low-cost carrier flydubai has launched a loyalty rewards scheme as competition heats up in the aviation sector.
The “Open” programme is designed to make earning and spending rewards points simple without minimum balances or blackout dates, the Dubai-based carrier said.
“We’ve designed this rewards programme to be less restrictive and instantly rewarding,” said the chief executive, Ghaith Al Ghaith. “It is transparent and straight to the point. That is why we call it Open.”
Slowing global growth, overcapacity among airlines and global currency volatility are weighing heavily on airline profits and encouraging carriers to invest in retaining passengers through loyalty schemes amid fierce competition.
Last week, the Emirates president Tim Clark described the first half of the year as “tough” at an International Air Transport Association (Iata) event in Dubai. “We are working on it,” he said.
Flydubai’s rewards programme allows passengers to earn points with each flight, to be used to pay for other flights, upgrades or optional extras.
Passengers can join as individual members, or team up with other individual members – family or friends – to form a “travel club”, the airline said.
It also plans to partner with hotel, lifestyle and retail brands.
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