Air Canada, which has upped its game in recent years as a global carrier with new routes, new planes and new paint, will now add a new loyalty program to the portfolio.
Starting in 2020, AC will no longer use the Aeroplan program, operated by Aimia Corp., and will establish an in-house program like those of its North American peers. Air Canada believes it will make for better customer service and loyalty. It will also be an important marketing tool, not to mention that, as with the other airlines, selling miles to banks, retailers and others to entice customers with is a very profitable business.
Air Canada’s contract with Aeroplan and Aimia has three years to run, and will expire in June 2020. In the meantime, Aeroplan miles will still be awarded and redeemed as now. After 2020, Air Canada fliers will receive the new, as yet unnamed, points, but will still be able to use their Aeroplan miles on airlines that remain part of the network. AC will also offer seats to Aimia-Aeroplan on the same basis as it now offers them to other third-party plans.
