The Montreal-based airline (TSX:AC) says customers will be able to continue collecting Aeroplan points until June 2020, after which miles earned from flying on Air Canada or its 26 Star Alliance partners will be credited to the in-house loyalty program instead. Travellers will be able to redeem those points for Air Canada and Star Alliance flights.
The airline said it intends to continue allowing Aeroplan members to redeem their Aeroplan points for seats on their flights after June 2020. However, Aimia's CEO said that isn't certain yet, as there are still a lot of discussions to be had.
Aimia (TSX:AC) shares fell 57 per cent to $3.81 in early morning trading.
“This is something we've anticipated,” Aimia CEO David Johnston said in an interview on his first day on the job after serving several months on an interim basis. The company announced Wednesday evening that Rupert Duchesne, who has been on medical leave, is retiring from the top role.
Johnston said the company has been planning for this possibility and is exploring a range of alternatives for its business after Air Canada's contract ends, including pursuing other partners.
He assured the program's five million customers they can expect a smooth transition.
“There's three years left to run on the contract and in that period, it's business as usual,” Johnston said.
Air Canada said in a statement it's aiming to strengthen its relationships with customers in making the switch. The airline did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Air Canada's stock rose more than 7 per cent $15.99.
Aeroplan was originally Air Canada's in-house loyalty program. It was spun off as an independent business, now called Aimia Inc., which has expanded its customer base and evolved its services over the years.
The company has 5 million active members, who have a total of about 200 billion miles on their balances.
5 things to know about Aeroplan points and Air Canada
Here's what the change means for the five million Aeroplan members earning rewards for flying Air Canada and redeeming points for flights with the national carrier:
What happens to my Aeroplan points?
Nothing. Your Aeroplan balance remains intact, unless you choose to redeem points for flights or other rewards.
What changes is how you'll earn points after June 2020 and, possibly, what you can buy with those points.
I've booked a flight in the future on Air Canada using Aeroplan points. What happens to my booking?
Members who have already planned trips and booked flights with their Aeroplan points will still be able to travel as planned.
What points do I earn when I fly on Air Canada?
Until Air Canada's contract with Aimia expires in June 2020, miles earned for travel on Air Canada flights will be credited to travellers' Aeroplan accounts.
After that, travellers who fly on Air Canada will earn points towards the company's own loyalty program.
The same applies to travel on Air Canada's 26 Star Alliance partners, including Air China, Lufthansa and United.
Can I still use Aeroplan points to book Air Canada flights?
Members can use their Aeroplan points to book Air Canada and Star Alliance flights until June 30, 2020. Aimia says it won't stop offering flight rewards before then.
After that, the answer is unclear.
Air Canada said in a statement it intends to continue allowing Aeroplan members to redeem points for seats on Air Canada flights after that time.
However, Aimia CEO David Johnston said in an interview that isn't certain yet, as there's still lots of discussions to be had. He said the company continues to work on alternatives for after Air Canada leaves the program, including the possibility of new partners.
Does this change anything about my Aeroplan credit card?
Three banks offer Aeroplan credit cards: TD, CIBC and American Express.
Those contracts expire in 2024, Johnston said, adding he's not worried those companies will choose to follow Air Canada's lead.
He said the majority of Aeroplan members earn points not through flying but rather through the dollars they spend shopping while using these affiliated cards.
