American Express has launched a premium customer loyalty reward credit card with Aeroplan and Air Canada.
The new American Express AeroplanPlus Reserve Card was designed with the frequent traveler and avid Aeroplan member in mind. The American Express AeroplanPlus Reserve Card provides travel benefits from American Express, Aeroplan and Air Canada®.
This is the first new card to launch following last year’s renewed partnership between American Express and Aeroplan. Existing co-branded charge cards include the American Express AeroplanPlus Platinum Charge Card, which was ranked among Rewards Canada’s top Airline Credit/Charge Cards in 2014.
Kiran Makam, Vice President of Consumer Charge Cards & New Business Development, American Express Canada told Loyalty360 that AeroplanPlus Reserve Card was designed in response to the continued growth in the luxury travel market.
“Avid travelers seeking a premium travel experience have specific perks and benefits in mind,” Makam explained. “We’ve curated a suite of benefits with this card that will create a seamless travel experience for card members on every leg of their journey–from booking to pre-travel, to reaching their destination, to their return flight. In partnership with Aeroplan and Air Canada, the card brings a number of unique benefits and 
features to Canadians looking for a premium experience where every detail is exceptional, from special treatment at the airport to five-star service when you land.”
Makam said the new card includes tailored travel perks from the world’s most prestigious travel brands, American Express, Aeroplan, and Air Canada.
“We know its benefits will engage the premium traveler wanting amazing experiences,” Makam added.
Aeroplan spokesperson Christa Poole told Loyalty360 that the new card marks the culmination of a very exciting year.
“In 2014, we celebrated Aeroplan’s 30th anniversary–which provided a special opportunity to reflect on just how far we’ve come since Aeroplan started as Air Canada’s frequent flyer program,” Poole explained. “2014 also marked a transformative year for the Aeroplan program, as we executed on our vision to completely transform the program and give our members a significantly strengthened value proposition.”
Aeroplan launched MarketFare Flight Rewards to significantly improve the value for its members.
“Perhaps most exciting was our launch of the Distinction program, a tiered recognition program that rewards top accumulating members, based on total Aeroplan Miles earned across all coalition partners,” Poole said.
Last year, when Aeroplan renewed its longstanding partnership with American Express, Poole said company officials promised Canadians a new product was on the horizon.
“The launch of the new American Express AeroplanPlus Reserve Card acts on that commitment and delivers superior travel benefits and service to card members,” Poole said. “Canadian consumers are increasingly demonstrating a need to have the card in their wallets to serve as more than just a payment tool. They seek a card that caters to a specific need and for many that’s in the travel space. Collectively, we were able to address that need through our shared expertise– and along with Air Canada, develop a super-premium loyalty reward product. The product provides an exceptional end-to-end travel experience–from the point of booking travel, through to the airport and destination, and back home again. The card is geared toward a frequent traveler who above all else values freedom and flexibility, and who is seeking a card to help deliver super-premium experiences.”