The alliance comes after AirAsia, in anticipation of Valuair's launch and the impending entry of budget airlines Tiger Airways and Qantas' low-cost carrier in Singapore, launched a loyalty marketing programme - the AirAsia Credit Card - with DBS Bank and MasterCard.
In the Valuair/Visa partnership, Visa cardholders will receive Valuair's lowest fares on flights to any destination on any day year-round. Visa cardholders receive an additional exclusive discount on both Valuair's fare categories, therefore enjoying the lowest Valuair fare available in the market.
An advertising and promotional campaign will be launched shortly.
AirAsia and DBS, on the other hand, aim to improve customer loyalty by offering the fastest method of free flight redemption, in comparison to any other existing credit card frequent flyer programmes.
Members need only charge between S$480 to $24,000 (US$283 to $14,200) to redeem an AirAsia return ticket to Bangkok, compared with at least $40,000 for the same sector in other credit card frequent flyer programmes.
Members can also enjoy benefits and privileges that cut across the region, for instance, an exclusive five per cent discount at Central Chidlom department store in Bangkok and instant cash rebates on purchases made at participating stores across the region. Although currently only available in the Singapore market, DBS also confirmed that it will issue a co-branded card with AirAsia in Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia and any other new AirAsia destination.
Edmund Koh, DBS managing director and head of consumer banking group Singapore, said that the card was specifically designed for a group of customers who wanted the best value for their money, predicting an increasing number of travellers on budget airlines as no-frills air travel takes root in the region.
Valuair remained undaunted by the string of benefits offered by the AirAsia credit card. Executive director Jimmy Lau said the carrier was targeting a slightly more discerning budget traveller. It would continue to look out for like-minded partners to offer more "strategic value", he said.
