SriLankan to launch new FFP

COLOMBO – SriLankan Airlines is set to launch ‘SmiLes’, its new frequent flyer programme (FFP), on April 1, 2008. The airline’s previous frequent flyer programme, Skywards, ends on March 31, 2008 as SriLankan’s management changes hands.

“SmiLes 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,” Manoj Gunawardena, head of worldwide passenger sales, said.

“SmiLes 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,” he added.

The new FFP will have three tiers of membership – Gold, Silver, and Blue – according to how many miles are accrued. 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 also have a wide range of other benefits such as pre-assigned seating and priority wait-listing.