THE Asian Frequent Flyer Programme launched by the region's three major carriers may see some changes in its reward system. Under the existing Passages' programme launched by Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines and Malaysian Airlines, only first and business class passengers will earn points for free flights, upgrades and companion tickets. A further three airlines, British Airways, Austrian Airlines and Swissair, joined Passages this month. Economy class passengers are excluded because they are perceived by the carriers to be price sensitive. But the Singapore-based Asian Frequent Flier, the joint venture company that oversees Passages, has not ruled out the possibility of changes in its target market. Some fine-tuning may be in order, depending on the programme's success. Its target for the first year is to hit 200,000 members, 350,000 by the end of the second year, and 500,000 by the end of the third. Thai Airways, which has launced its own frequent flier programme, allows all its passengers, including those who travel economy class, to earn points on kilometres flown. Even Royal Orchid Plus passengers, paying discounted fares, will still be allowed to earn 70 per cent of the total kilometres flown. All Thai passengers earn at least 500 miles on every flight they take, no matter if it is short or long haul. On Passages, passengers who get upgrades from economy to business and from business to first class are restricted from earning points. This may mean that, on a regional basis, market penetration of Passages will be limited. Due to the recession in major markets, companies with headquarters in Hong Kong seldom send their executives on business class when travel is within the region. Members will also earn points through hotel stays from September 1 at Shangri-La, Pac Pacific, Inter-Continental, Hyatt and Hilton hotels and resorts.
