SriLankan Airlines launches new frequent flyer programme - FlySmiLes

SriLankan Airlines has announced the launch of 'FlySmiLes,' its new frequent flyer programme which promises a wide range of rewards for passengers, effective 1 April 2008. The new programme comes into existence as the airline's previous frequent flyer programme, Skywards, ended on 31 March 2008, with the change of management at SriLankan.

Manoj Gunawardena, head, worldwide passenger sales, said: ''FlySmiLes will be positioned as 'the frequent flyer programme that rewards and delights.' It will open the door to a world of rewards for our passengers.''

Gunawardena added: ''FlySmiLes will be introducing a number of partner airlines and other companies which will offer members a choice to both earn and burn miles for a variety of goods and services. These will range from hotel stays to bank services, retailers, and especially SriLankan Holidays - the airline's leisure arm.''

FlySmiLes will have three tiers of membership – Gold, Silver, and Blue – depending on the number of miles accrued by passengers. All members can exchange their miles for rewards such as free air tickets to Europe, the Middle East, South Asia and the Far East; and upgrades.

They will also receive a wide range of other benefits such as pre-assigned seating and priority wait-listing.

Gold and Silver members are entitled to even more exciting benefits. These include the use of the airline's lounge at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport, priority check-in, free excess baggage (up to 12 kg for Silver and 16 kg for Gold), priority baggage delivery, family bonus, and fast track facility (for Gold members).

Silver membership is for those who earn over 25,000 miles or fly a minimum of 20 sectors within a calendar year. Gold membership is for those with more than 50,000 miles or 40 sectors within a calendar year.

Existing Skywards members have a choice of transferring their Skywards Miles to FlySmiLes in full or in part and receiving the same status as held by them earlier.