Aimia Invests in AirAsia’s Big Loyalty Program

Aimia, a global leader in loyalty management headquartered in Canada, is in the process of acquiring a minority stake in Think Big, the owner and operator of Big – AirAsia and Tune Group’s loyalty program.

Aimia will initially invest approximately (C$16 million) in Think Big, with up to an additional (C$7 million) to be invested if certain milestones are achieved by 31 December 2015.

Rupert Duchesne, Aimia’s Group Chief Executive, said, “The AirAsia Big loyalty program is a great opportunity to export Aimia’s coalition business model and to help our clients create deep and lasting relationships with their customers. Through this partnership with AirAsia and Tune Group, we look forward to sharing our experience with this program, while also growing our presence in the high-potential Asian loyalty market.”

The AirAsia Big loyalty program continues to benefit from the growing customer base of both AirAsia and Tune Group. It has already attracted a broad coalition of partners ranging from credit card companies, retail stores, petrol stations, and insurance and telecom firms, in addition to the AirAsia and Tune Group family partners.

Marc Allsop, Aimia’s Senior Vice President of Business Development, added, “Asia represents a key region for Aimia as we expand our presence globally, and we believe the partnership between ourselves, AirAsia and Tune Group provides a fantastic platform to further demonstrate our unique capabilities in the loyalty industry. This partnership brings three innovative, forward-thinking brands together for the long-term benefit of our customers.”

Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia and co-founder of Tune Group, said, “With its experience running the world’s largest standalone frequent flyer programs, the Aimia team has unique and invaluable insight. We are thrilled to be working together to leverage that knowledge as we continue to grow the AirAsia Big loyalty program.”