Qantas will launch a new stand-alone loyalty programme for small and medium-sized Australian businesses in March.
"Aquire" will allow businesses to earn Aquire Points via everyday transactions including travel.
These points can then be converted into Qantas Points in the name of an individual Qantas Frequent Flyer member.
Each business will have a central Aquire Points account that owners and employees can contribute to. But while they earn Aquire Points for a business, they will still be earning personal Qantas Points for themselves.
For example, booking a Qantas flight will not only allow an individual to earn via the consumer programme, but they will also earn Aquire Points for their business.
A statement from Qantas said: "Businesses will be able to earn Aquire Points through other soon-to-be announced partners across financial services, professional services, vehicle and office related costs and other business expense categories."
Aquire Points can be converted into flights for a business owner and employees for work or leisure; flight upgrades for a business owner and employees; or gifts from the Qantas Store.
All Australia based small and medium businesses with an ABN (Australian business number) are eligible to register for the programme.
Lesley Grant, Qantas Loyalty CEO, said: "Aquire will provide SMEs with tangible benefits by turning everyday business expenses into an opportunity to earn points that can be redeemed for real rewards that benefit the bottom line.
"There is currently no other airline based coalition loyalty program in Australia targeted at businesses and our ultimate goal is for Aquire to be as important to these small and medium businesses as the Qantas Frequent Flyer program is to almost ten million Australians."
Qantas recently offered a sneak peak at its upcoming lounges in Hong Kong and Los Angeles (see news, October 31).
Graham Smith
