Skift Take
Air India has worked at a record pace to develop and roll out a new version of its loyalty program, with huge changes for customers.
Air India’s ongoing transformation is one of the most closely watched developments in the aviation world - and rightfully so. The recently privatized airline, which serves a country of 1.4 billion people, is playing catch-up with its international peers.
Speaking last month at the Skift India Summit, the airline's CEO, Campbell Wilson, compared the overhaul of the 92-year-old carrier to a launching a start-up.
Alongside new planes, IT software, and training, a major area for improvement is its Flying Returns loyalty scheme. Although it celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, the frequent flier platform feels stuck in a different era altogether, having last been updated in 2012.
Air India’s new program goes live today and it’s a massive improvement. Here are six key changes for earning and redeeming those all-important reward points:
1. Move to value-based earningsThe airline previously granted points based on the distance traveled. Air India will now award points to customers depending on the fare paid. This brings the scheme in line with other international carriers. In the U.S., the system is already in place with airlines such as JetBlue, Southwest, Delta, and United.
2. Points never expire, but