The Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines welcomed the Emirates airline into its SkyMiles program, effective June 1, 2002. The agreement will enable SkyMiles members to earn and redeem miles on Emirates-operated flights throughout the world. To celebrate the partnership, Delta will offer double miles for all applicable accrual classes for travel on Emirates between June 1 and Aug. 31, 2002, according to a company press release.
"This partnership increases mileage-earning and redemption opportunities between Dubai and international destinations such as Amman, Jordan; Bahrain; Bangkok, Thailand; Cairo, Egypt; Perth and Sydney, Australia," said Rob Borden, Deltas general manager of SkyMiles Customer Loyalty Programs.
Members of Emirates customer loyalty program, Skywards, will also be able to earn and redeem miles on Delta flights worldwide. Launched in 1985, the Dubai-based Emirates is one of the fastest growing airlines in the world. Emirates, with a fleet of 39 modern aircraft, flies to more than 58 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian sub-continent, the Far East and Australia. Last year, more than 6.8 million passengers flew with Emirates.
Delta SkyMiles members earn mileage by flying Delta, the Delta Connection carriers, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle and Delta's airline partners, including Delta's SkyTeam partners. The Delta SkyMiles program offers many other mileage-building opportunities, including the Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express, MCI telecommunication services, Nextel wireless services, EarthLink internet services, participating hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, home buying and selling, cruise line and flower purchases.
Delta Air Lines, the world's second largest carrier in terms of passengers carried and the leading US airline across the Atlantic, offers 5,581 flights each day to 410 destinations in 72 countries on Delta, Delta Express, Delta Shuttle, Delta Connection carriers and Delta's worldwide partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights and services. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
