Air Canada’s Aeroplan program just got more appealing with the addition of two new unique airline partners.
Introducing Bamboo Airways and SunExpress, the newest partners in Air Canada’s long list of airline tie-ups.
These new partnerships are great news for Virgin Australia customers, who wouldn’t otherwise have access to Bamboo Airways or SunExpress (neither of which are a part of any global alliance).
Air Canada Aeroplan members not only have access to the extensive network of 26 Star Alliance member airlines, but also 20 other airlines that Air Canada partners with outside of the alliance, including Virgin Australia and Etihad.
Here’s how Air Canada’s latest airline tie-ups could benefit you:
Bamboo Airways: Breaking down the partnership
The Vietnam-based airline, Bamboo Airways, is a relatively new carrier on the scene.
With a decent network of short-haul flights in Asia, Bamboo also operates flights from Vietnam to Australia, Germany and the UK, with business class and premium economy offerings on the cards for long-haul flights.
While premium economy award seats currently aren’t up for grabs with Aeroplan points, members of Air Canada’s loyalty program can secure economy and business class seats with points. In even better news, each flight will have up to four award seats available in each cabin.
So far, Bamboo Airways flies from Melbourne to Hanoi from Sydney and Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City, meaning frequent flyers down under could benefit from ties with Bamboo Airways.
New SunExpress partnership explained
The second of Air Canada’s latest airline partners is a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines.
SunExpress is a low-cost airline that mainly operates services between Europe and tourist hotspots in Turkey.
Being a budget airline, SunExpress does not offer business class, so Aeroplan members can only redeem points for economy award seats. Still, services to many popular destinations could very well put Turkey on your bucket list.
Summary: What does this mean for Australian travellers?
Since Air Canada is part of Star Alliance, you can earn Aeroplan points with any other alliance member, including on Virgin Australia flights.
Plus, Australians will soon unlock an even easier way to earn Aeroplan points, with the introduction of a new HSBC Star Alliance credit card that is expected to launch soon.
Finally, if there’s anything frequent flyers want now that travel is back, it’s award availability – having access to additional airline partners creates more opportunities to find and redeem flight awards.
After all, little-known airlines can sometimes be the key to securing those hard-to-find redemptions that aren’t available with other frequent flyer programs.
Will you be using Aeroplan points to secure award seats on Bamboo Airways and SunExpress?
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