Hungarian carrier Malev has taken the first step towards becoming a member of the oneworld alliance. The airline, which flies to 55 destinations in 34 countries, has signed a memorandum of understanding, providing a framework for continued discussions aimed at it becoming a full member in 2006. Malev will have to meet a number of requirements, including confirmation it can comply with the service delivery specifications of the alliance and quality and safety audits …
Members of Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan now can now earn 5,000 bonus miles when receiving an auto loan from Capital One Auto Finance directly via the Internet. The offer is valid on new loan applications only. Customers must apply through http://www.capitaloneautofinance.com/alaska …
Lufthansa WorldShop and SkyMall have announced the industry’s first mileage-based shopping program for Lufthansa’s U.S. Miles & More members. Through this program, mileage alone can be redeemed for merchandise. The program provides U.S.-based members access to retail products at http://www.skymall.com/worldshop which they can “pay for” with miles from their Miles & More account. Redemption levels start at 7,500 miles (Sony headphones) and go up to 1,000,000 miles …
Members of the Air China and Cathay Pacific frequent flyer programs will be able to accrue and redeem miles on flights operated by both carriers as part of a closer strategic partnership between the two airlines. A memorandum recently signed in Beijing will come into effect in the third quarter of this year …
Continental Airlines will begin codesharing with Hawaii’s Island Air this fall …
Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer program, Privilege Club, is celebrating its fifth birthday. The program recently entered into a strategic partnership with Starwood Hotels, and Privilege Club members can earn triple Qmiles for each stay at selected properties around the world until the end of August …
ANA and Shanghai Airlines have applied to the Japanese government for permission to extend their existing codeshare arrangement to new international and domestic routes …
Aeroplan members can now earn a minimum of 250 miles per stay at TripRewards affiliated hotels, or two miles for every $1 (in U.S. currency) spent, whichever is greater …
Air New Zealand has linked up with InterContinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards. The partnership allows members of their respective frequent travel programs, Priority Club and Airpoints, to earn Airpoints Dollars when staying at an ICH property …
Travel consultants and hotel concierge and staff booking Europcar on line can now be rewarded in Europcar’s first incentive program, the “Euros Reward Program.” Reward points known as “Euros” can be redeemed for merchandise …
Sixt car rental has become the latest company to partner with the Gulf Air Frequent flyer program. In addition to the standard 500 miles per rental, Frequent flyer Blue members are eligible for a 10-percent discount on the total published rate, while silver members receive a 20-percent discount, and Gold members enjoy a 30-percent discount plus a free upgrade to the next car category (subject to availability).
