Vistara rejigs its loyalty programme

Tata-Singapore Airlines joint venture revamped its frequent flyer program in an apparent attempt to increase its loyal customer base as the airline looks to reach 3 million passenger mark by October.
 
According to the airline, the new frequent flyer programme not only provides its members enhanced privileges but also offers the fastest earn, redemption and faster elite tier upgrades.
 
The airline also added the Platinum Tier to the Club Vistara program responding to its increasing passenger base. This tier will allow passengers lounge access and upgrade vouchers.
 

"The changes made to our program now makes it the best earn and burn ratio as compared to other airlines in the country, if compared to other airlines, it is easier for a subscriber of this program to redeem the points, we are confident that the revamp will draw more travellers to Vistara," said Phee Teik Yeoh, CEO, Vistara.

 
According to the new program, members who used to earn 5 points per Rs 100 will now earn 8 points per Rs 100 now. Elite tier members will also get access to various privileges like enhanced luggage allowance, voucher upgrade. The promoters of the airline recently have proposed to invest Rs 250 crore in Vistara, signalling a major expansion plan.

At present, it operates 11 Airbus A320 aircraft and has a market share of 2.4 per cent. The airline will increase its fleet to 13 next month and according to its initial plans, it will have 20 aircraft by June 2018.

The airline management is also contemplating advancing the aircraft deliveries, but last month its chief commercial and strategy officer Sanjiv Kapoor told this paper that no decision was taken in this regard.

Recently, Vistara hired an auditor to help it secure International Air Transport Association's operational safety certification.
It is also negotiating commercial partnerships such as interline and code-share agreements with foreign airlines.

"The new Club Vistara program is now more competitive as compared to the earlier version. How they execute it on the ground is something I am waiting to see," said Ajay Awtaney, a travel blogger who runs the blog Live from a Lounge.