Budget airline Virgin Blue has partnered with Emirates and National Australia Bank to launched a loyalty program it hopes will lure corporate and government travellers away from rivals Qantas and Jetstar.
Virgin Blue’s new frequent flyer program, Velocity, was unveiled today by the carrier’s CEO Brett Godfrey, in conjunction with foundation launch partners NAB, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic and Europcar.
In addition to the loyalty program, Virgin Blue also launched two new credit cards—the Velocity National Visa credit card and the Velocity National Gold American Express card—at the announcement this morning (Nov 15).
Godfrey said Velocity was developed from studying the “experiences and frustrations of Australian frequent fliers” and the program now forms “part of [the airline’s] strategy to broaden Virgin Blue’s appeal to frequent travellers and the corporate and government sectors”.
Velocity will offer any seat redemption on any flight; no blackout periods, even at Easter, Christmas, school or public holidays and free online membership.
