Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan Airlines, took top honours in Los Angeles at InsideFlyer magazine’s 18th Annual Freddie Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of customer loyalty programmes.
Skywards received a “Freddie” for “Best Reward Promotion, Asia-Pacific” for its Ramadan Promotion of 50% off reward flights to 30 destinations.
The Freddie Awards provide travellers the opportunity to rank airline and hotel frequent traveller programmes based on their own experience, through a system which balances the popular vote with the overall merit and quality of the programme.
Brian LaBelle, Vice President Skywards, said: “We are delighted to have been recognized again for our delivery of service to our valued members. The Freddies are a top mark of recognition among loyalty programmes in the airline industry. We are proud of our consistent success.”
This is the 12th Freddie Award Skywards has received since its launch in 2000. These latest awards are added to Emirates’ already impressive collection of more than 300 international awards.
The awards are named after the late Sir Freddie Laker, founder of Laker Airways and the SkyTrain.
About Skywards
Launched by Emirates in 2000, Skywards is already widely known as best-in-class for its dedication to offering members benefits which go far beyond the immediate travel experience. The two key drivers of the programme are commitment to innovation and the philosophy that superior customer service is key.
Skywards, the frequent flyer programme of Emirates and SriLankan, offers three tiers of membership - Blue, Silver and Gold - with each membership tier providing exclusive privileges.
Gold and Silver members are entitled to wait-list priority for all classes of travel, priority check-in and airport lounge access.
Members earn Skywards Miles, one Skywards Mile for every mile they fly on Emirates, Sri Lankan and partner airlines, and when they use the programme’s designated hotels, car rentals, financial, leisure and lifestyle partners.
Skywards Miles can be redeemed for an amazing range of rewards, including free tickets on Emirates or SriLankan and other Skywards partner airlines, flight upgrades, hotel accommodation, excursions, and shopping.
Skywards was launched in 2000. In just six years, worldwide membership of the award-winning loyalty programme, which is currently available in over 200 countries, has topped 1.9 million.
Skywards has consistently demonstrated success in award recognition. Over the last three years, the programme has secured top honours at the annual Freddies Awards, the ‘Oscars’ of customer loyalty programmes. Skywards was the recipient of awards for Best Member Communications, Best Web Site and the coveted title of Programme of the Year. The honour was a second-time win for Skywards, which, in 2003 was recognized for top programme and additionally secured awards for Best Customer Service, Best Award Redemption, and Best Web Site. In 2004 Skywards was recognized for Best Redemption Award for an International Airline.
Skywards’ website - www.skywards.com - is designed to allow members to manage almost all aspects of their membership online. The web provides an exciting, interactive online service packed with personalised features, news and special offers.
Skywards also has a club for its younger travellers that has proven to be as much fun on the ground and on the web as in the air! Skysurfers, for customers aged up to 16 years, is tailored to their preferences and interests and can be accessed on the web at www.skysurfers.com
