Flydubai announces the alignment of its frequent flyer programme to Emirates Skywards

The strategic move builds on the success of the initial phase of the extensive partnership which sets out how the two Dubai-based airlines have been able to offer customers unmatched travel options.

From 01 August 2018, OPEN members will be enrolled into Emirates Skywards to continue to be rewarded when travelling with Flydubai. Members will be able to earn both Skywards Miles and Tier Miles every time they fly with Emirates or flydubai enhancing collection and spending opportunities.

During July, OPEN Gold members and Emirates Skywards Silver members and above, who are also OPEN members, can convert their OPEN reward points to Skywards Miles (2 OPEN reward points = 1 Skywards Mile). OPEN reward points held in existing accounts can be redeemed until 31 July 2018 for future flights with Flydubai.

Analyst Saj Ahmad said: “By combining its OPEN frequent flyer programme with Emirates’ Skywards, Flydubai’s customers will have yet even more incentive to continue flying with both carriers as the spinoff benefits expand significantly.

“With Flydubai almost certainly expected to further integrate and coalesce operations with Emirates beyond its extensive codeshare pact, both airlines will now naturally be working to use Emirates’ Terminal Three at Dubai International to allow even better minimum connection times and allow better and effective flight scheduling for passengers who are connecting on either an Emirates or Flydubai flight.

“Given the relatively little network overlap between the two Dubai-based airlines, the single Skywards reward programme for both airlines enhances customer loyalty while providing the spoils for future flight bookings and other associated travel benefits out of Dubai and beyond.”

Ahmad added: :This continued convergence between Emirates and Flydubai is already yielding significant cash-positive returns given Emirates’ sharp profitability and its likely that the depth and breadth of this partnership has an awful long way to go – much to the benefit of the customers they serve.”