Aimia (Owner of Aeroplan) Sold Nectar’s Loyalty Program
Aimia is a data-driven marketing and loyalty analytics company that owns frequent flyer program, Aeroplan. Not only do they own Aeroplan, but they also own other minor loyalty programs.
Last year, Aeroplan and Air Canada announced that they will be ending their partnership in 2020. As much as I am curious to see what Air Canada’s new loyalty program is going to look like, and which credit card company they will partner up with, what is Aeroplan going to do?
I would like to see the ability to transfer Aeroplan miles to the new Air Canada program. However, this may be wishful thinking. When I see Aeroplan selling off one of its assets (even though it is minor deal, sold for $105 million), Nectar’s loyalty program, seems like they may be bracing for tough times. Maybe Aimia is loading up on some cash to avoid being in too much debt. Or it can just be a cautious move to prepare for worst case scenario.
Either way, I feel like there is been very little news on the Aeroplan and Air Canada front on what they plan to do moving forward. Granted there is still time before June 2020.
For now, my suggestion is to go business as usual. Keep collecting Aeroplan miles and redeeming them once your achieved your goal.
As a sort of fail safe, back when the split was announced, I decided to cash out a good chunk of my Aeroplan points into gift cards for fuel and gift cards for hotel stays. It was a way to make sure I got a decent value for something, should the worst case scenario occur. I still have over 200,000 points and booking some travel now.
I don’t think you’ll see Air Canada allow Aeroplan into its new program. If anything, Air Canada is known for squeezing the competition out, then decreasing flights and increasing costs once that segment of the competition is eliminated.
I really hope Aeroplan survives.
I hope so too. Good to cash some out now if you know you are getting the value that you seek.
I expect Aeroplan to put up a fight to some customers over. Just not sure if they will win.