Malaysian low cost carrier AirAsia launched AirAsia BIG Singapore yesterday together with DBS Bank and telecommunications operator StarHub. Tan Sri Dr Tony Fernandes, AirAsia’s Group CEO was present to launch the programme here in Singapore. BIG loyalty programme was first launched in Malaysian in November 2011 followed by Indonesia and Thailand. Singapore is the the airline’s fourth country with a country specific loyalty programme.
AirAsia BIG has 700,000 members from 150 different countries worldwide. Members of the programme, known as BIG Shots, earn points when flying with AirAsia and over 70 partners worldwide. These points have a validity of three years. These BIG Points can be used to redeem for free AirAsia flights and services such as Baggage and hot seats. The points can also be used to redeem for other Tune Group products such as Hotels and Talk Time. Membership is free.
The partnership with DBS and StarHub allows BIG Shots to redeem their rewards points with both brands to AirAsia Big Points, making it easier to accumulate points.
Register for BIG Shots with DBS or convert through StarHub Rewards Programme for the first time with AirAsia BIG from 23 September to 20 October 2013 and you’ll earn 500 bonus BIG Points. StarHub is also offering five times more Big Points during the same period when converting StarHub Rewards Points. AirAsia will also offer double the number of points when booking a flight originating from Singapore or converting on DBS or StarHub ‘s points conversion period during the same period.
We asked Tony if he would consider using some of his sponsorship assets such as QPR, Caterham F1 team as opportunities for BIG Shots to redeem and he mentioned that AirAsia is working towards offering those priceless opportunities to BIG Shots.
Visit airasiabig.com for more information.
This Air Asia Point Scheme is nothing else but an overpriced pseudo frequent-flyer program. Earning it via AirAsia flights is SGD 0.80/point or SGD 0.40/point through merchants like Starhub.
A SIN-KL flight cost 2000 point which require $750 purchase from Starhub or $1600 via Air Asia flights!
In comparison, Star Alliance miles are much easier to accrue and is worth way less. 1 Star Alliance mile is worth about 1-1.5 US cent and a SIN-KL flight cost 12500 miles. That’s only US$200 including taxes! Not to mention its a SIA flight.