Jet in talks for more reciprocal partnerships

Jet Airways (India) Ltd is in talks with international airlines for frequent flyer programme partnership where in passengers can earn and redeem miles.

Jet passengers will get benefit whenever they travel with the partner airlines.Also passengers of partner airlines will get benefits if they travel with Jet Airways.

Jet Airways has already entered into a reciprocal relationship for frequent flyer programme with Gulf Air and Australian national flag carrier Qantas. It had made similar arrangement with KLM, Northwest and British Airways.

"We are in talks with more international airlines for partnering in frequent flyer programme. The talks are in advanced stage and we will be announcing the tie ups soon," said Naresh Goyal, chairman, Jet Airways.

Earlier, Kingfisher Airlines in its advertisement offered competitive scheme to Jet Airways' privilege members. They offered a free King Saver Personal booklet for buying two booklets worth Rs 26,999. Each booklet contains 6 Kingfisher Airlines flight coupons.

Jet Airways is closest rival of Kingfisher Airlines. It has a base of over half a million frequent flyers. They enjoy mileage accrual and also benefits offered by Jet Airways's partners such as banks, hotels, resorts, car rental agencies, publications and telecom service providers.

According to Kingfisher advertisement, passengers can avail this offer by showing their Jet Privilege Gold or Platinum card. This offer is valid till March 31, 2006.

"We wish other airlines good luck. However, our loyal travellers will never leave us. In fact, we are planning to double the privilege members," said Goyal.

According to Kingfisher Airlines General Manager (Marketing) Girish Shah the corporate flier is a critical focal point in airline's guest acquisition strategy. And by extending a competitive offer one can pull volumes from his competitor.

"With the launch of this campaign, Kingfisher Airlines certainly plans to change the way the Indian air travellers perceive flying. Like the ad-campaign aptly suggests the airline's guests deserve miles better value," said Shah.

"We offer better services at value fares, our product is superior to others. We provide extra-wide seats, spacious leg room and large over-head storage space, international-class cabin crew and designer interiors. And on offer are gourmet meals featuring six different vegetarian and non-vegetarian menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner from the best in the catering industry," Shah added.

Analysts said the customers would be benefited by this cut-throat competition and such a poaching through pentrative price was witnessed in US in late 1970s when the aviation was de-regulated.

"The airlines adopting aggressive approach in this highly competitive market will soften their stand in future," they observed.

Kingfisher Airlines is now offering 52 flights daily connecting Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Goa, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Guwahati and Bagdogra.

Jet Airways links 48 destinations, including five international cities with over 285 flights daily.