LONDON/PARIS: Qatar Airways yesterday announced the global roll-out of its corporate travel rewards programme for small and medium-sized businesses following successful trials in the airline's home market.
Named Qbiz, the rewards programme makes it easier for companies with limited travel budgets to maximise their savings when travelling with Qatar Airways. The programme allows companies and employees to accumulate Qmiles through the airline's Privilege Club loyalty programme.
The global roll-out, unveiled simultaneously yesterday at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget and Business Travel Market in London, allows both the individual and the company to accumulate Qmiles for any given flight. The accumulated miles can be used to redeem for free flights and secure upgrades on Qatar Airways.
Speaking at the Paris Air Show, Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said that the airline aimed to support small and medium-sized companies through Qbiz as part of its corporate social responsibility programme. He emphasised that the scheme was a win-win situation for all, as business trips would be twice as rewarding.
"While Privilege Club members travelling on business will continue to earn Qmiles and membership status in their own accounts, their companies will also be able to earn Qmiles for the same trip and redeem them on subsequent Qatar Airways flights," said Al Baker.
"Qbiz is an exciting corporate rewards travel programme developed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses to help them manage their budgets more cost effectively."
The announcement was also made at the inaugural Business Travel Market in London, where Qatar Airways is the Platinum sponsor of the two-day show.
"Qatar Airways understands that many businesses require their staff to travel regularly. The Qbiz offering aids local businesses in the UK and indeed around the world by providing real incentives to travel on a single airline," added Al Baker. "The pilot programme proved very successful in Qatar and we are excited to be able to roll-out Qbiz worldwide. It will add significant value to local companies' travel bookings."
Businesses looking to join Qbiz can do so online on Qatar Airways' website www.qatarairways.com/qbiz. Once enrolled, companies receive a personalised Qbiz account number and a Qbiz code, which they can use to accumulate miles when making bookings.
© The Peninsula 2009
