Why Air Canada Is Starting From Scratch With Its Loyalty Program
Photo Credit: Air Canada is in the process of reinventing itself, and last year introduced a new livery and uniforms. Now it is focused on a new frequent flyer program, coming in 2020. Air Canada
Skift Take
Like most airlines, Air Canada knows a lot about its customers. But in 2020, once it launches a new loyalty program, it will have more flexibility to slice and dice data to deliver personal offers to passengers. Let's hope customers don't find it creepy.
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When Air Canada spun off its loyalty program more than a decade ago, the decision made sound business sense. The airline, like many at the time, needed cash, and didn't see why it should control how its customers would earn and redeem frequent flyer miles.
For awhile, the arrangement worked well enough. At first, in 2002, Air Canada merely made Aeroplan, its frequent flyer program, into a separate company, but by 2008, after an initial public offering, it became independent. Aeroplan is now owned by Aimia, a publicly traded Canadian firm that op
