Skybucks, the brand new frequent flyer programme by Airlink, is the regional carrier’s next big step in its journey as a strong, independent and sustainable airline.
Skybucks is live from today (March 1, 2023).
Carla da Silva, Executive Manager: Sales & Marketing, told Travel News that the programme had been a long time in the making.
“Implementing a loyalty programme from inception requires both research and technology… technical implementation took almost a year,” said da Silva.
The carrier describes its new programme as stylish, classy and exclusive. It's revenue-based and members earn Skybucks on every flight (one sector is recognised as one flight). A tier-based system is used to determine status, benefits and a members’ earning potential. Tiers are Blue, Red, Emerald and there is a Black top tier.
Airlink estimates that approximately three million Airlink customers will benefit from the new platform.
Straightforward
Da Silva said Airlink had wanted to ensure that Skybucks was simple to incorporate, easy to understand and use, and transparent in the way it rewarded its loyal customers.
“Airlink values its customers and its repeat customers, therefore, it was important to establish a loyalty programme that rewards these customers,” she said.
Airlink has ensured that redemption is straightforward, meaning that Skybucks may be used as a form of payment at flyairlink.com (the airline’s website, which accepts both credit card and Skybucks payments). Da Silva said tier benefits are added throughout the customer journey. “Earning potential is determined by flight activity,” she confirmed.
Features of the programme include the following:
* A family pooling system (up to eight members);
* The validity of rewards may be extended;
* There are several redemption options available as a form of payment;
* Skybucks can be transferred between members;
* Members have 90 days to claim from the date of their enrolment and their flight activities.
Some of the benefits members can enjoy include priority boarding and check-in, priority baggage, and pre-seating. There is lounge access, a complimentary call centre and upgrades for the top two premium tiers.
Easy to use
Security is another key feature of the new programme, and Skybucks uses a two-step member authentication process.
“The portal (www.skybucks.co.za) has been designed for ease of use for account management and redemption purposes. It is very important that travel consultants insert the frequent flyer numbers into the respective customer booking,” DaSilva said.
Da Silva told consultants to keep an eye out for various campaigns and competitions targeting Airlink’s travel partners and rewarding agents for signing up their customers.
