Paramount to launch frequent flier programme

Paramount Airways, the Chennai-based full-service carrier, is launching a frequent flier programme to meet a long pending demand from its customers.

“It offers convenience and flexibility. The frequent flier programme mirrors the requirements and aspirations of our fliers, who are corporate travellers and traders from small and medium enterprises,” said M Thiagarajan, chief executive officer, Paramount Airways.

Paramount also plans to tie up interline agreements with some foreign airlines, which will enable fliers on these airlines to redeem their miles on Paramount and vice-versa. It also plans tie-ups with clubs; all these will roll out in three to four months.

Frequent flier programmes are an important driver for corporate travellers who use them to earn miles and redeem them for upgrades, free tickets or other privileges. For an airline, it builds customer loyalty. Jet Airways’ Jet Privilege has over six lakh members and is a key differentiator in its fight with rival Kingfisher Airlines to retain business travellers. Lufthansa’s Miles & More is one of the most successful frequent flier programmes.

Enters West
Paramount, which has confined itself to south India, has been keen to spread its wings and enter other markets progressively.

On Monday, it connected Chennai with Ahmedabad, and plans to connect Pune and Goa with cities in southern India.

Paramount connects 10 cities in the South with five Embraers and will soon take delivery of two more planes, followed by two more in December.