BRITISH AIRWAYS AND AMERICAN EXPRESS ANNOUNCE RENEWAL OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
LONDON, August 12, 2009 -- British Airways and American Express are today announcing a renewal of their strategic partnership.
The new agreement, managed by British Airways' rewards subsidiary The Mileage Company, includes three consumer co-brand cards, a corporate co-brand card and merchant acceptance agreement.
In addition, the American Express Membership Rewards® agreement, launched in August 2008, is for the first time extended into the U.S.
The renewed agreement means:
- British Airways American Express consumer and corporate Cardmembers in the U.K. can continue to collect BA Miles® and On Business Points respectively.
- For the first time, by the end of this year, U.S. American Express Cardmembers will be able to transfer Membership Reward points into British Airways' Executive Club Frequent Flyer programme for travel on British Airways and Oneworld partners.
- British Airways will continue to accept American Express as a payment method worldwide.
Andrew Swaffield, Managing Director, The Mileage Company said:
"In these difficult times it is more valuable than ever for customers to be able to get something back from their everyday spending. The partnership between British Airways and American Express has been very popular with customers and I'm delighted that we're continuing our partnership. Extending our new American Express Membership Rewards relationship into the U.S. market is a natural progression after our successful launch in a number of other markets last year. We are delighted to be strengthening our partnership in this way."
Raymond Joabar, Managing Director, American Express UK and Ireland said:
“Working with British Airways has helped us strengthen Cardmember loyalty and grow our businesses in the UK and around the world. This partnership is a win-win for both companies and importantly for customers. Our BA co-brand cards are amongst our most successful products. This is a great opportunity for us to enhance our Card portfolio with one of the world's most respected airlines and to extend our popular Membership Rewards redemptions in the US.”
Note to Editors:
1. In 2001, British Airways and American Express joined forces to launch a co-branded credit card, providing consumers with a quick route to British Airways travel rewards, thanks to its generous rewards structure. In 2005 a corporate co-brand was launched. In 2008 British Airways became a participant in American Express' Membership Rewards loyalty programme in countries outside of the US. This year, the companies announced enhancements to the highly popular Companion Voucher reward for British Airways American Express Premium Plus Cardmembers.
2. The British Airways and American Express co-brand cards are:
Corporate
British Airways American Express Corporate Card
Consumer
British Airways American Express Credit Card
British Airways American Express Premium Card
British Airways Premium Plus Card
About British Airways
British Airways is one of the leading global airlines, flying to around 150 destinations around the world. Last year it carried 33 million customers. Customers can join the airline's loyalty programme, The Executive Club, to earn BA Miles and redeem them on flights.
About American Express
American Express Company (www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.
American Express Membership Rewards is an award winning loyalty programme that rewards members for spending on the Card. Cardmembers enrolled in the programme can redeem their points for a wide variety of rewards that range from flights and overnight hotel stays to electronic goods and fine wine.
About The Mileage Company
The Mileage Company (www.themileagecompany.com) is the UK expert in running reward schemes. In the last year alone, four million people have collected or redeemed miles with one of The Mileage Company's schemes, from the global BA Miles currency to UK-based AIRMILES.
The Mileage Company works with over 200 brands through travel and leisure reward schemes worldwide. The Mileage Company is wholly owned by British Airways.
For further information contact:
American Express
Doug Smith, Director Public Affairs,
Tel: +44 (0) 1273 216671, Email: Doug.W.Smith@aexp.com
The Mileage Company
Susan Barber, Head of Corporate and Consumer PR, Tel: +44 (0) 1293 722 252
Email: susan_barber@themileagecompany.com
Will Robson, Lexis Public Relations, +44 (0) 7834 199314
Email: wrobson@lexispr.com
