Emirates looks set to unveil a new elite tier to its Skywards frequent flyer programme this month.

The move has been discussed on our forum, and Business Traveller can confirm an email has been sent out to Gold members, detailing the likely benefits of the new, as-yet-unnamed tier.

Entitled “What might be even better than being an Emirates Skywards Gold member?”, the email goes on to list several benefits a member might expect if they were to earn over 150,000 miles.

These include access for the cardholder and a guest to the carrier’s first class lounges, an additional 20kg luggage allowance, 75 per cent bonus Skywards miles, the ability to redeem miles for an award seat on any flight, guaranteed business class revenue seat, and a complimentary Gold card to give to a partner.

The list ends with the option “All of the above”, suggesting these benefits will form part of the new tier.

No timescale is given for the introduction of the new elite benefits, although it seems likely that Emirates will look to introduce the tier in time for the launch of its new global partnership with Qantas at the end of March.

Qantas already offers a Platinum level within its loyalty scheme, and speaking to Business Traveller last month the carrier’s regional general manager for UK / Ireland Eric Jelinek said that the two airlines would look to “align products to the highest customer offering”.

Note that 150,000 tier miles is three times that required for Skyward’s Gold status (at the current rates detailed on the carrier’s website).

For more information visit emirates.com.

Report by Mark Caswell