Air Serbia is shaking up its game plan, aiming to transform its frequent flyer program into a profit powerhouse! Forget the old ways; the airline is ditching the Etihad Guest loyalty scheme, which has been in use since 2013, and is gearing up for something entirely new. This isn't just about rewarding loyal customers; it's about building a standalone revenue stream.
Air Serbia is leveraging the expertise of Loyalty Juggernaut, a US-based company, and its GRAVTY module. This is the world's first cloud-native, patented, enterprise loyalty platform, used by big names like Emirates, WestJet, and Deutsche Telekom. It's all about real-time, data-driven engagement, meaning Air Serbia can tailor offers and rewards based on your spending habits.
Air Serbia’s CEO, Jiri Marek, shared the exciting details with EX-YU Aviation News. Everything will be managed through a digital app, ditching the need for physical cards. The program will be a dynamic, spend-based rewards system. Think of it this way: the more you spend, the more points you earn. A transparent formula will outline how many points you get for every 100 dinars spent.
But here's where it gets interesting: it's not just about flights. You'll earn points with selected third-party partners like grocery stores, fuel stations, and cinemas. You can redeem those points not only with Air Serbia but across its partner network. However, earning and spending points with the airline itself will give you the highest value.
What about existing members of the Etihad Guest program? Mr. Marek assured that they will introduce tier matching. They are still deciding whether to offer mileage matching and for how long. They are also in talks with banks about a co-branded Visa card, potentially available through multiple partners. The program's design, including its tier structure, is already finalized.
The new program is expected to launch in late March or early April. Mr. Marek emphasized that they want to get it right. He has high expectations, believing it represents a significant source of value and a major opportunity for the airline.
And this is the part most people miss... Air Serbia is not just changing a loyalty program; they're creating a new business segment. This move could significantly impact the airline's financial performance.
What do you think? Will this new, digital, spend-based program be a game-changer for Air Serbia? Do you prefer this model over traditional mileage programs? Share your thoughts in the comments!
